Exceeding Excellence at Every Turn
Exceedient Foods is built on the reputation of Farmers’ Rice Cooperative and the power of ingredient innovation. Located in the Sacramento Valley, we are leaders in the supply of premium California rice ingredients.
Our story
Exceedient Foods is more than a name, it’s a commitment to innovation and excellence rooted in the heritage of FRC. As the largest grower-owned rice cooperative in California, since 1944 FRC has led the way in rice, cultivating a legacy of trust, transparency, and unmatched quality. Exceedient takes this legacy forward, crafting nourishing ingredient solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern food manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors.
Our vertically integrated system ensures end-to-end control of every grain, from the fields of our 500+ grower-owners to the finished ingredient. This unique model allows us to guarantee superior quality, unparalleled source transparency, and consistent supply—regardless of market conditions.
The Pursuit of Infinite Possibilities
At Exceedient Foods, ‘possible’ isn’t just a concept—it’s our benchmark. Guided by the vast horizon of innovation and driven by the pioneering spirit of our cooperative, we seek possibilities that lead to exceptional products that blend taste, nutrition and sustainability.
Leading the Way at Exceedient
Rick Rhody
President & CEO
With decades of leadership in California’s rice industry, Rick Rhody leads Exceedient Foods as President and CEO, driving its vision as the innovation arm of FRC. He has played a key role in delivering unparalleled ingredient quality and transparency to a global audience. Rick’s extensive experience includes field management, finance, and executive leadership, notably building Sun Valley Rice from the ground up. He serves as Chairman of the California Rice Commission, Vice Chair of the Rice Millers’ Association, a USA Rice Federation Executive Committee Member, and a Sutter Yuba Foundation board member. A Chico State and Saint Mary’s College graduate, Rick is a passionate advocate for California agriculture.
Bill Tanimoto
CFO & COO
As CFO and COO, Bill Tanimoto oversees financial and operational excellence at Exceedient Foods. Joining FRC in 2011, Bill has been pivotal in optimizing efficiency, improving milling yields and reducing waste. With prior experience at Diamond Foods and Deloitte, Bill brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UC Sacramento and was named CFO of the Year by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2020.
Derek Alarcon
Director of Sales & Marketing
Derek Alarcon leads Exceedient’s sales and marketing efforts, leveraging nearly 20 years of experience in domestic and international markets. He plays a key role in expanding Exceedient’s reach, driving customer relationships and ensuring on-time delivery. A graduate of CSU Chico, Derek is an active participant in trade promotion and policy, serving as an advisor and speaker on international trade topics.
Rodrigo Batista
R&D Director
Rodrigo Batista heads research and development at Exceedient Foods, bringing over 20 years of expertise in product innovation and process improvement. With a background in co-manufacturing and plant-based protein development, Rodrigo has worked with industry leaders like Bunge and Beyond Meat. Fluent in English and Portuguese, Rodrigo holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from FURB – Universidade de Blumenau and is a holder of multiple U.S. patents.
