Sam's Club, Costco Limit Rice Purchases

Costco Exec: Rising Rice Demand in U.S. May Be Driven by Food Shortage News NEW YORK, April 23 (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc's Sam's Club warehouse division said on Wednesday it is limiting sales of Jasmine, Basmati and long grain white rice "due to recent supply and demand trends." The news came as rice prices surged, with U.S. rice futures hitting an all-time high Wednesday on worries about supply shortages. On Tuesday, Costco Wholesale Corp, the largest U.S. warehouse club operator, said it has seen increased demand for items like rice and flour as customers, worried about global food shortages and rising prices, stock up.