My husband and I have been touring Cajun country in our motorhome and went to New Iberia specifically to tour the Konriko rice mill and the Tabasco plant on Avery Island. It was a slow Tuesday so we were fortunate that our tour had only one other couple and us, allowing us to ask questions as we went along. Our tour guide was the epitome of southern hospitality and very knowledgeable. The functioning mill is the oldest in the U S dating to the early 1900s. Made of sturdy cypress it is still in great shape. The company store next door to the mill is chock full of their products, but no pressure to purchase anything. They had a pot of their Pecan wild rice made up for us to sample along with a pot of local coffee. You can also watch a great video about the Acadians and their culture which was very well done and informative. The entire staff of the rice mill consists of only 17 people, so everyone does several jobs. Many of the tasks are still done by hand. A friendly, warm atmosphere. As seniors, we paid $3.50 each for the tour and video. I know a lot more about the processing of rice than I did before and even found out about the raising of crawfish as well.
Not worth the money. Video about Cajun culture is 17 minutes long and was probably created in the 1980s. We viewed it from a computer. There is no excuse at this time for such an old video. It is a cheap and easy fix. Also, the video should focus on rice planting and harvesting. We had to look at three posters on the wall while a person told us about it. Again, an easy fix. Most cell phones can video. The actual mill was interesting. It was educational and worth my time.
a great place to learn history of rice and the mill. Tour the mill and shop at the store. Very unique items are for sale. Shipping is available, too. It is the longest running rice mill, too.
Lots of things to sample and to look at. Very engaging personnel in store and enjoyed our conversations with them. Bought some interesting spice blends.
I agree with other reviewers, the film looks outdated but the Cajun history which is told here is important and whole thing just adds to the experience. The shop is packed with rice, Cajun, Louisiana or Konriko related items. You can taste some of the product without any pressure to buy anything. This is one of those stops where you as a tourist are not a commercial asset but a guest in their factory. The tour itself is very informative, all questions answered and I loved the big wooden "closet" the guide showed us with the sectional views of the mill. It made it all very clear. What we really like about this plant is the lack of waste, literally everything form the raw rice is given away for free to the locals or sold commercially. Even the internal transport bags are bags from long gone companies. The whole experience breaths Southern Hospitality
We enjoyed the simplicity and the integrity of the process of this century old rice processing company.
Very interesting to visit and lots of souvenirs to bring home. Great things to make gift baskets too
We were worried because we had two dogs in our car - so parked in the shade of the tower of the mill. Asking if this was "okay" - the guide simply said - bring them in - we are pet friendly. BUT - - - I said - we plan to take the tour! She said "that's fine - bring them along." So that is what we did. Okay - the film is outdated but who cares - it introduced us to the history of the area and we learned a lot. Our two dogs endured the film, and during the tour they scared some of the cats that are thereto rid them of mice. The cost of the rice mixes were high - in my opinion, but what the heck - Don't expect Disney World - but it is a fun low key tour of another world.
I brought a group of students there last week. I really could not believe they charged money for the "tour", which consisted of sitting in a storeroom watching a very dated movie and then walking over to the rice factory where we saw nothing being made but dust. The cats that are used for rodent control were the best part of the tour. I was really disappointed.
When you first see this plant, you'll think it non-operational as it is rather old, but indeed it operates with its 17 employees and makes an amazing number of products, most importantly processed rice.The tour and short film is not time-consuming but is totally informative and enjoyable. Take a few minutes to learn about rice growing and processing in south Louisiana.