For Buyers

Cashew sourcing & trade

A practical reference for wholesale buyers and importers — grade specs for POs, packaging norms, the RCN-to-kernel pipeline, and where supply actually comes from.

Cashew apples on the tree — the kidney-shaped nut hangs below the fruit.

Where cashews come from

Two different maps matter: where the raw nut is grown, and where it is processed into kernels.

Raw cashew nut (RCN) — growing

West Africa — Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau: the largest raw supply base.
India — Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra.
Vietnam & Cambodia — significant and growing raw production.

Processing — kernels

Vietnam — the world's dominant processor and exporter of finished kernels.
India — deep, skilled processing tradition; Kollam (Kerala) is the historic capital, with hubs in Mangalore, Goa and Panruti (Tamil Nadu).

A large share of African raw nuts is shipped to Vietnam and India for shelling, then re-exported as graded kernels worldwide.

Graded kernels and dry fruit at a wholesale market stall.

Packaging & specs buyers ask for

Standard export presentations you'll see on offers and contracts:

Item	Typical standard
Vacuum tin	22.68 kg net (50 lb) in flexi/tin, nitrogen or vacuum flushed
Vacuum pouch	2 × 11.34 kg pouches in a master carton (≈ 22.68 kg)
Moisture	≤ 5%
Broken / defects	As per grade tolerance; specify on PO
Shelf life	~12 months vacuum-packed, cool & dry
Common Incoterms	FOB, CFR, CIF — confirm port & terms in contract

Quote requests should always state: grade (e.g. W320), quantity, packaging, Incoterm + destination port, and any certification needed (e.g. food-safety, organic).

Verified suppliers directory

This directory follows the same rule as the rest of the network: only real, verified processors and exporters, direct official links, no paid placements, no brokers.

Are you a verified cashew processor or exporter? Listings are free — no brokers, no paid placements, direct links only. Email your details (company · location · grades offered · official website) to bk@aibk.in to be considered for this directory.

Processor · Kerala

Company name

Grades offered · certifications · port. Direct official website link.

Exporter · Karnataka

Company name

Grades offered · certifications · port. Direct official website link.

Exporter · Vietnam

Company name

Grades offered · certifications · port. Direct official website link.