The European market potential for cashew nuts

Nuts are popular as a source of healthy fats, protein and fibre. Because of this, demand for cashews on the European market is increasing. European cashew nut consumers still prefer cashew nuts as simple, roasted, salty snacks. But consumption of unsalted and less-processed cashew nuts is also increasing. Plain nuts without any additions are being offered more and more, as well as various roasting flavours. Cashew nuts are used as ingredients in fruit and nut bars, breakfast cereals, nut spreads, nut drinks, ice cream toppings, cookies and other sweets.

1. Product description: cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are kidney-shaped seeds that develop on the bottom of the pseudocarp or ‘false fruit’. The false fruit is commonly called the cashew apple or the fruit of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). The real fruit is a kidney-shaped drupe that grows at the end of the apple. Inside this true fruit (the raw cashew nut) is the soft white kernel. The cashew shell contains a caustic phenolic resin that is harmful to humans. The resin is known under the name cashew nut shell liquid, or CNSL. It has widespread industrial uses.

Figure 1: Red cashew nut pseudocarp (cashew apple) and drupe (nut) 

Source: Cashew Fruit by bfishadow on Flickr (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

The kernel itself is protected by a very strong shell, which needs to be roasted or steamed before it can be shelled. The cashew nut kernel that is obtained after shelling is the part that is edible. The kernel makes up only around 20% of the whole cashew nut in weight.

In most production countries, cashew trees have 2 or 3 flowering and harvesting cycles during the production season, depending on weather conditions.

The cashew tree is native to north-east Brazil, but today it is grown in many areas in the world. Cashew nuts are grown in at least 46 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. 18 of these producers are among the least developed countries, according to UNCTAD. Global cashew production (raw cashew nut basis) reached 5.29 million tonnes in 2024/2025, according to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC).

West Africa accounted for more than 51% (2.71 million tonnes) of global output in 2024/2025. They were followed by Cambodia with 800,000 tonnes, India with 615,000 tonnes, Eastern Africa with 540,000 tonnes and Vietnam with 340,000 tonnes. Brazil produced 150,000 tonnes, followed by Indonesia with 93,000 tonnes.

Production in East and West African countries has been increasing by a lot. But due to the lack of processing (shelling) capacities, African producers still export most of their crop as in-shell cashew nuts to Vietnam and India. India and Vietnam are the 2 largest processors of cashew nuts. However, Côte d’Ivoire has greatly expanded its exports to the European market. In 2022, it overtook India in terms of exports to Europe.

Countries and regions north of the equator, including India, Vietnam and West Africa, harvest cashew nuts in the first half of the calendar year. Countries and regions south of the equator, including Brazil and East Africa, harvest from September or October to early on in the following year. Strong investments in processing capacity have helped Côte d’Ivoire expand its cashew exports. One example is a recent $10 million loan from Norfund to Valency CIV. This was used to build a cashew processing plant near Abidjan with a capacity of 45,000 tonnes per year.

The cashew value chain is largely divided between cashew-growing countries that produce raw cashew nuts (RCN) mainly for export and countries that have a processing industry. Countries that process cashew nuts on a large scale keep a larger share of value in the cashew industry.

Between 2014/2015 and 2023/2024, the average compound annual growth rate of global cashew nut production was 5%. Cashew nut production growth was only slightly slower than walnut, pistachio and macadamia production growth (7%). After harvesting, growers place the harvested in-shell cashew nuts in the sun to dry. The nuts are continuously mixed to dry them in their shells until around 8 to 10% rest moisture. In-shell cashews and kernels are stored under dry (<65% relative humidity), dark, cool (<10 ºC), and well-ventilated conditions.

Figure 2: In-shell cashew nuts

Source: Goa - Cashew Nuts by abcdz2000 on Flickr (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

The production of raw cashew nut kernels is different in many production regions. After removing the in-shell nuts from the cashew apple, processing typically includes the following 5 steps:

• Preparing the nuts for shelling (drying, sizing, cleaning, steam cooking or roasting);
• Shelling (with automatic, semi-automatic or manually operated machines);
• Peeling (drying shelled nuts, automatic or manual peeling);
• Grading (colour sorting, sizing, cleaning);
• Packing (weighing, vacuum sealing).

Figure 3: Stages of processing raw cashew fruit (drupes) into kernels and byproducts

Source: Autentika Global, Global Cashew Council, 2025

Vietnam is the leading cashew nut supplier to Europe. It benefits from its large-scale production that is based on automatic processing equipment. Shelling capacity in Africa is much more limited because workers here use more manual (hand- or pedal-operated) shelling machines. Usually, one worker can cut up to 40 kg of nuts per daily shift, while automatic machines can can process more than 100 kg per hour.

Figure 4: Workers processing cashew nuts

Source: Women preparing cashew, Burkina Faso by CIDSE - together for global justice on Flickr (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

In Europe, cashew nut kernels are mainly used as a roasted and salted snack. However, cashew nuts are also popular as ingredients in confectionery and other processed foods. Cashews are used in cookies, fruit and nut snacks, and breakfast cereals, but also as butter, as an ice cream topping, and in sauces and condiments.

Figure 5: Cashew nut kernels 

Source: Cashew nuts in West Bengal of India by Billjones94 on Wikimedia Commons (licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0)

Cashew nuts are traded under 2 different Harmonised System (HS) codes. The HS code for fresh or dried in-shell cashew nuts is 080131, and the HS code for fresh or dried shelled cashew nuts (cashew kernels) is 080132. European imports of in-shell cashew nuts are of little importance (they amount to around 1,000 tonnes per year). So this study only uses the code of cashew nut kernels for statistical analysis.

The term ‘Europe’ in this study refers to the 27 member states of the European Union (EU), plus the United Kingdom (UK), and the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). 

2. What makes Europe an interesting market for cashew nuts?

Europe is a major global importer of cashew nut kernels. European volume imports of cashew nuts increased at an annual average rate of 5.4% between 2020 and 2024. Almost all imports from outside Europe come from developing countries. In 2022, European imports of cashew nuts went down slightly after 3 consecutive strong increases. 

In the next 5 years, the European market for cashew nuts is likely to increase at an annual growth rate of 5-6%. Demand for cashew nuts in Europe is strong. Imported quantities sometimes fluctuate due to variable production in the main supplying countries. Regular fluctuations in imports will continue to be influenced by harvests and supply. However, cashew nuts have a well-established market presence and strong demand.

Imports from developing countries are dominant and they make up around 75% of the overall imports by European countries. In this report, the term ‘developing countries’ refers to countries that are included on the OECD-DAC list of ODA recipients. The annual growth rate is expressed as the cumulative annual growth rate, or CAGR.

The price of cashew nuts is higher compared to many other nuts on the European market. This means that buyers may find cheaper nut product alternatives. When cashew nuts become more expensive, food processors may add more cheaper nuts in mixtures. High prices negatively affect new product launches as well. 

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, Eurostat, 2025

European imports of cashew nuts have increased by 5.4% each year since 2020. But value of imports only rose by 2.2% during the same time frame. This difference points to a drop in import prices. In 2024, imports from outside Europe reached 215,729 tonnes. Intra-European trade in 2024 was 69,733 tonnes. The total European trade in cashew nuts (including imports from outside Europe and intra-European trade) reached a value of €1.63 billion.

Intra-European trade makes up 32% of all volume imports. Internal European trade is made up of of re‑exporting imported raw cashew nut kernels that have been further processed to add value. This processing includes roasting, salting and retail packing. European cashew nut kernel volume imports from developing countries increased at an average rate of 6.5% per year from 2020 to 2024. It rose from 167,097 tonnes to 215,281 tonnes.

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, Eurostat, 2025

Cashew nuts are imported to Europe throughout the year. However, there is a pattern. Usually the first half of the calendar year sees slightly lower import volumes. Then imports rise in the second half of the year. The peak period for deliveries is usually between September and November. This is caused by increased consumption during the winter holiday season in Europe. Upcoming cashew nut suppliers should have enough stocks for larger deliveries during this peak season.

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, Eurostat, 2025

Note: The figure above represents apparent consumption, calculated as the difference between imports and exports.

The Netherlands and Germany are important consumers of cashew nuts and transit countries for other European destinations. All of the leading consumers of cashew nuts kernels saw growth of apparent consumption between 2020 and 2024, with the exception of the Netherlands. This can be explained by the trade variations and changes in stock sizes caused by inventory in the Netherlands, which is also a major processing country. This makes the apparent consumption data less precise for the Netherlands, as it is a major re-exporter as well.

Over the last 5 years, there were steady growth rates of apparent consumption in Germany (2.0%), the UK (4.0%), France (9.2%), Spain (23.1%) and Italy (8.9%).

The latest INC statistical report for 2024 on estimated consumption in kernel equivalent shows Germany, the UK and France as the 3 largest consumer countries in 2019-2023.

Cashew nut sales are on the rise due to more consumer becoming aware of health benefits associated with cashew nut consumption. Cashew nuts are promoted as rich in iron (helps build a strong immune system) and vitamin K (helps with healthy blood and bones). Another driving force for the increased consumption of cashew nuts is their unique taste. Many European consumers find the taste of roasted cashew nuts is better than that of traditional European nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts.

3. Which European countries offer the most opportunities for cashew nuts?

As Europe’s main importer and consumer of cashew nuts, Germany is an interesting focus market. Germany also provides specific opportunities for organically-certified cashew nuts. Germany and the Netherlands are also important trade hubs with large re-export of imported cashew nuts. Other European countries that are large net importers and consume most of the imported cashews are the UK, France, Italy and Spain.

Germany, Europe’s largest cashew nut market

Germany is Europe’s largest importer of cashew nuts. The total German import volume was 69,625 tonnes in 2024. German imports increased in volume by 1.8% annually between 2020 and 2024. Meanwhile, the average value of imports fell by 2.1% annually to €395.5 million in 2024.

Around 32% of all imported cashew nuts are re-exported from Germany every year, mostly to other European markets. Re-export activities are done by specialised traders and agents. Many such companies are located in Germany’s main port city of Hamburg. In 2024, the main target markets for German cashew nut exports were Luxembourg (a 12% share), Slovakia (10%), Poland (10%) and the UK (9%).

Germany re-exports large quantities of cashew nuts to cashew nut processing (roasting and shelling) plants in Luxembourg. Cashew nuts are processed and packed for the German retail market in Luxembourg and then shipped back to Germany.

Cashew nut consumption per capita in Germany amounted to 0.619 kg/year in 2023, according to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC). Based on the percentage of the population that consumes cashews, consumption amounted to 1.88 kg/year.

Germany imports 62% of its cashew nut kernels from Vietnam (43,095 tonnes in 2024) and 15% from Côte d’Ivoire (10,663 tonnes in 2024). Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as the second-largest supplier with an average annual growth rate of 144% between 2020 and 2024. Côte d’Ivoire shipped 10,633 tonnes of cashew nuts to Germany in 2024, up from just 302 tonnes in 2020. Nigeria has also seen major growth in exports to Germany. Nigerian exports grew at an average annual rate of 52% from 2020 to reach 1,087 tonnes in 2024.

From 2020, Indonesian cashew nut exports to Germany increased at an annual rate of 14% to 1,064 tonnes in 2024. Meanwhile, India’s exports to Germany fell from 18,885 tonnes in 2020 to 1,052 tonnes in 2024. Indian exports to Germany contracted by 51% annually between 2020 and 2024.

In the medium term, African countries are likely to keep increasing their direct supply of cashew nut kernels to Germany and other European destinations. This expectation is based on the predicted investment in larger-scale capacities for cashew nuts processing. Processing in several African countries is already supported by international and governmental funds.

German consumption of cashew nuts is on the rise due to the healthy snacking trend. Cashew nuts are now also more and more used as an ingredient in spreads, sauces and snack bars (especially organic). Some examples of new cashew-based products are shown in the photos below. Industry sources estimate that Germany is the largest consumer of organic cashew nuts in Europe.

Figure 9: A vegan and organic cashew nut spread sold by dm

Source: Autentika Global

While in 2014 only 20% of German consumers stated that they always or frequently bought organic products, this figure had risen to around 59% by 2024. However, other countries still outperformed Germany in per capita spending on organic products, according to Umweltbundesamt (UBA), Germany’s environmental agency. While German spending stood at €191 per person per year, Switzerland spent €476, Denmark €364 and Austria €292. 

Cashew nut suppliers who want to export to Germany must be aware of the high standards required by German importers. Those standards include food safety certification, such as IFS Food. Importers also expect suppliers to commit to sustainable and reliable supply. The German governmental development agency (GIZ) has launched a comprehensive project called the Competitive Cashew Initiative (ComCashew) to support sustainable production of cashews in African countries. 

Figure 10: Private label organic raw cashew nut and mango fruit bar sold by Lidl

Source: Autentika Global

Important German cashew importers include August Töpfer & Co. (ATCO), ofi-owned Märsch Importhandels (Märschimport), Intersnack and Nutwork. Leading retail brands in the conventional segment (also importers and packers) are Seeberger, Farmer’s Snack and Kluth. In the organic segment, important players are Alnatura and Rapunzel. 

Apart from independent brands, a lot of cashew nuts are sold under the brands of big retailers (private labels). Leading private labels include Alesto (by Lidl), Trader Joe’s (by ALDI Nord), Farmer (by ALDI SÜD), K-Classic (by Kaufland), ja! and REWE Bio (by REWE), and Gut & Günstig and EDEKA (by EDEKA).

The Netherlands, Europe’s prominent trade hub

The Netherlands is the second-largest importer of cashew nuts in Europe. In 2024, the country’s imports were slightly lower than Germany’s. Over the last 5 years, Dutch imports of cashew nuts grew consistently. However, although they went down by more than 5,000 tonnes to 57,595 tonnes in 2022. Imported volumes peaked at 66,122 tonnes in 2024, or €378 million. The Netherlands is ranked as the third-largest consumer market based on apparent consumption, following Germany and the UK.

The Netherlands plays an important role as a trade hub in Europe. Most of the imported cashew nut kernels are re-exported to other European countries. Germany is the leading destination of Dutch re-export of cashew nuts, as it absorbs around 15,000 tonnes per year. Another large destination for Dutch re-exports of cashew nuts is France, which imported 5,892 tonnes in 2024.

The Netherlands imported 98% of its cashew nut kernels from developing countries in 2024. The Dutch market for cashew nuts is quite concentrated. It mainly depends on imports from Vietnam and India. In 2024, 75% of Dutch imports came from Vietnam, followed by India (7%). Imports from Africa, although relatively small, are increasing strongly. Between 2020 and 2024, imports from Tanzania increased at an average annual rate of 197% to 1,708 tonnes. In the same period, imports from Côte d’Ivoire increased by 49% per year to 3,656 tonnes. Imports from Burkina Faso rose, on average, by 28% per year to 1,380 tonnes in 2024.

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, Eurostat, 2025

Rising consumption of cashew nuts in the Netherlands is driven by the healthy snacking trend. It is also helps by nuts being used as an alternative to animal proteins more and more. Cashew nuts are used as an ingredient, especially in spreads such as cashew butter. Cashew butter in the Netherlands is produced as 100% from cashew nuts or in mixtures with other nuts. Dutch consumers are already accustomed to nut spreads, as the Netherlands is the largest European consumer of peanut butter. 

Sustainable sourcing of cashew nuts in the Netherlands is strongly supported by several initiatives. These include the Sustainable Nut Initiative (SNI), Woord en Daad and Fair Match Support. Sustainable production can be helpful for suppliers who want to enter the Dutch cashew market. In the Netherlands, 68% of consumers reported buying products from companies with a reputation for sustainability. In 2024, 39% of Dutch consumers reported paying between 1 and 5% more for sustainable products. This was a major increase from 23% in 2020 and 18% in 2023.

It is important to always keep the profile of consumers in your target markets in mind. A lot of customers say they pay more for sustainable products. Still, about 65% of Dutch consumers bought private label or low cost brands in 2024, up from 63% in 2023.

Some prominent market traders and agents are Alderaban Commodities, Rotterdam Commodity Trading B.V. (formerly Amberwood Rotterdam) and QFN Trading and Agency. Examples of Dutch cashew nut importers include Catz International, Nutland, Rhumveld, Global Trading & Agency (GTA), and Delinuts. Most cashew nuts in the Netherlands are sold to consumers as private label (retailer brands) products, for example Albert Heijn or Jumbo. The consumption of unbranded, freshly roasted nuts is also significant.

The United Kingdom, the second-largest cashew consumer market

The UK is the third-largest importing country and the second-largest market for cashew nuts in Europe. In 2024, imports reached 25,370 tonnes and an estimated 24,000 tonnes was consumed locally. The UK is a small exporter of cashew nuts, with annual exports of around 1,000 tonnes. Imports of cashew nuts to the UK increased at an average annual rate of 3.3% in the last 5 years. 

The per capita consumption of cashew nuts in the UK was 0.402 kg/year in 2023, according to the INC. Among the estimated percentage of the population that consumes cashews, consumption was 1.22 kg/year.

The UK’s import of cashew nuts is very one-sided and has a large dependence on supply from Vietnam. Vietnam holds 90% of the market share and supplied 22,900 tonnes in 2024. In 2024, the UK imported 632 tonnes from the Netherlands, 511 tonnes from India and 276 tonnes from Côte d’Ivoire. Among developing countries, Côte d’Ivoire has seen rapid growth with exports increasing from zero in 2018 to 276 tonnes in 2022. 

The UK is a very innovative market in terms of consumption of cashew nuts. Cashew nuts are offered in a variety of different flavours, salty or sweet. Food processors are also increasingly using cashew nuts in fruit and nut bars (such as Barebells Caramel Cashew), in nut butter spreads (such as those offered by Meridian Foods and Biona) and in dairy free drinks (offered by Rude Health or Plenish).

Figure 12: Caramel and cashew protein bar from Barebells 

Source: Autentika Global

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are important aspects for the UK cashew importers. Examples of UK importers of cashew nuts include Barrow, Lane & Ballard, Community Foods, Freeworld Trading and Premier Fruit and Nut. In 2024, 1 in 3 UK consumers said they were willing to pay more to purchase sustainable products and services.

France, strong consumer demand for sustainable and ethical products 

French imports of cashew nuts increased by 4.5% in value and 9.5% in volume annually between 2020 and 2024. In 2024, the import of cashew nuts to France reached 20,876 tonnes and €125.4 million. In that same year, the leading supplier of cashew nuts to France was Vietnam, with a 63% share, followed by Côte d’Ivoire (9%) and Germany (8%). Overall, developing countries supply 80% of cashew nuts directly to France with the rest coming from transit countries. 

Vietnam, already the largest supplier, continues to gain market share on the French market. Imports from Vietnam increased in volume by 8% per year, from 9,673 tonnes in 2020 to 13,120 tonnes in 2024. Imports from Germany (29.6% annual rate of growth) and the Netherlands (2.7%) also increased in the same period. The fastest growing major supplier is Côte d’Ivoire, which managed to increase exports by 157% per year in this period. Imports from Côte d’Ivoire increased from 43 tonnes in 2020 to 1,888 tonnes in 2024. 

Cashew nuts in France are a popular snack offered by a large number of brands. The estimated consumption per capita amounted to 0.284 kg/year (or 1.138 kg/year when factoring in the estimated percentage of the population that consumes cashews), according to the INC. It is also being used more often as an ingredient in nut drinks, like sugar-free cashew nut milk, and other innovative products such as chocolates and snacks. 

The presence of organic retail brands in France is also expanding. These include Jardin Bio, Ethiquable and Naturalia. 

In 2024, 70% of French consumers said they were willing to pay more for more sustainable products with clear health or environmental benefits. Moreover, 24% of consumers said they would pay more than 10% extra.

Spain, the fastest-growing importer

Spain is the fastest-growing importer of cashew nuts among the large European importers. Spain offers great potential for developing-country exporters. Between 2020 and 2024, Spanish imports increased annually by 19% in value and 23% in quantity. In 2024, imports reached 19,958 tonnes and €125.4 million respectively. Spain’s largest supplier in volume is Vietnam, with a 61% share in 2024, followed by Germany (8%) and Côte d’Ivoire (6%).

Larger emerging suppliers to the Spanish market are Benin and Ghana. Some of the importing companies include Importaco, Pedros Frutos Secos, Importaciones RJ África and Mironous. Secoex is a leading brokerage for nuts and dried fruits. 

Italy, a price-competitive market

Italy is the sixth-largest European importing country and consumer of cashew nuts. It shows strong annual growth of cashew nut kernel imports. Between 2020 and 2024, Italian imports increased annually by 7% in value and by 8% in quantity. In 2024, imports reached 18,046 tonnes worth €82.4 million. Italy’s largest supplier in volume is Vietnam, with a 49% share, followed by Côte d’Ivoire (22%), the Netherlands (11%) and Benin (4%).

Exports from Côte d’Ivoire to Italy are growing fast. Exports increased by 46% annually from 884 tonnes in 2020 to 4,036 tonnes in 2024. Benin is a growing developing-country supplier to Italy. Italian imports from Benin increased from 374 tonnes in 2018 to 747 tonnes in 2024.

One trend specifically for the Italian market is the increasing use of cashew nuts in pesto sauces. The traditional recipe of pesto includes pine nuts. But due to high prices and unstable supply, Italian manufacturers replace substitute pine nuts with cashew nuts or almonds.

4. What trends offer opportunities or pose threats on the European cashew nuts market?

Increasing demand for healthy snacks and need for stable and sustainable sourcing are the main driving forces behind European demand for cashew nuts. With rising interest in vegan diets, consumption of nuts (‘healthy snacking’), nut spreads and use of drinks produced from edible nuts is on the rise.

To find out more about general trends, read our study about trends on the European processed fruit and vegetables market.

Healthy snacking and less processed food

Nuts, including cashew nuts, have a good reputation among European consumers. Consumption of nuts is expected to have the highest growth in the snack segment. In major consuming countries, cashew nuts are considered a healthier alternative to other savoury snacks, such as crisps and extruded snacks.

Six out of 10 European consumers wish to improve their eating habits, according to findings from Euromonitor. Besides the wish from the consumer side, healthy eating is now more and more an issue that is being debated by European governments that want to take further action. Cashew nut suppliers also stand to benefit from the rising popularity of fortified protein snacks that often rely on nuts, including cashew nuts.

Cashew nuts are also likely to benefit from a change in snacking habits. In 2025, market research firm Circana noted that the future of snacking was going to be different. Consumers are favouring nuts, fruit, yoghurt, protein bars and cheese over chocolate and biscuits.

Nuts are promoted as rich in phosphor, copper and magnesium, not commonly found in other foods. Cashews, along with pistachios, have the lowest fat content of all nuts. Almost 80% of the fat in cashews is unsaturated, which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They are also rich in tocopherols and phytosterols.

Sourcing of sustainably-produced cashew nuts

Sustainability claims and certification in the edible nuts trade are important and growing trends in the mainstream market. In 2020, the EU established an official policy called the European Green Deal, which includes the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy. Both policies influence food production and trade. Aspects of the European Green Deal relevant for sourcing cashew nuts and other nuts from developing countries are: reducing the use of pesticides, increasing organic production and switching to sustainable packaging materials.

In the edible nuts sector, several large traders have joined the Sustainable Nut Initiative with the objective of stimulating traceability and sustainability. Among many tools to reach this goal, the SNI developed a Basket of Standards to guide participants in their social compliance journey.

By joining the sustainable nut initiative, developing country suppliers can become more competitive on the European market. The Basket of Standards contains relevant standards for social and environmental compliance at the processing level that are aligned with the quality requirements of SNI.

Sustainability of cashew nut production and processing is linked to investments and business operations. A supportive business environment and well-functioning physical and financial infrastructure help the sustainable growth of cashew-processing industries, according to an UNCTAD special report on cashew nuts.

The report highlights the potential for cashews to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the one on poverty reduction. Cashew nut production typically takes place on smallholdings in rural areas. This means that there is a direct link between value addition in the cashew sector and the achievement of poverty reduction. According to the report, cashews are a source of income for an estimated 3 million smallholder farmers in Africa.

Cashew supplier Tolaro Global based in Benin has put sustainability at the forefront of its cashew production. The company states that its mission is to produce the world’s best cashews through a fair-trade, thriving and sustainable farming community. The company’s efforts to boost cashew trade sustainability captured the attention of the World Economic Forum. The firm trades with 7,000 cashew farmers and its processing plant handles 6,000 tonnes of raw cashews per year. Over half of its employees are women, as well as three-quarters of management.

In order to maintain constant supply and stable prices when sourcing cashew nuts, many European companies have started to invest in production sites in developing countries. These investments are likely to increase, especially in Africa. The aim of such investments is to develop the processing industry and to become less dependent on Asian supply. This because it is more sustainable to buy African cashew nuts from Africa.

Some import and trading companies, such as Dutch-based Nuts2, even specialise in the sustainable trade of cashew and other nuts sourced directly from cashew farmers. Nuts2 tries to provide farmers in Africa with access to the world market at prices the company states are fair. This production also aims to be environmentally friendly. It does this by focusing on local processing to avoid excessive shipping to other continents for processing.

Other companies cooperating closely with farmers and processors in growing countries are Olam and Intersnack.

Autentika Global carried out this study on behalf of CBI.

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