CONFIRMING STATEMENT
              REGARDING AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE SECTION 16(A) REPORTS



          This Statement confirms that the undersigned, Richard F. Vincent (the
     "Insider"), has authorized and designated Elizabeth B. Woodard (the
     "Authorized Signer") to execute and file on the Insider's behalf any and
     all Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments thereto) that the Insider
     may be required to file with the United States Securities and Exchange
     Commission as a result of the Insider's ownership of, or transactions in,
     securities of Riviana Foods Inc. (the "Company").

          The authority of the Authorized Signer under this Confirming
     Statement shall continue until the Insider is no longer required to file
     Forms 3, 4 and 5 with regard to the Insider's ownership of, or
     transactions in, securities of the Company, unless earlier revoked in
     writing. The Insider acknowledges that the Authorized Signer is not
     assuming any of the Insider's responsibilities to comply with Section 16
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



                                                Insider:


     Date:  August 5, 1997                      /s/ Richard F. Vincent