Cashew Nut Export

What It Is

Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical tree nut widely cultivated in West Africa, Asia, and South America. The nut grows at the bottom of the cashew apple (the false fruit of the cashew tree). Cashews are highly valued for their creamy texture, rich taste, and nutritional content. They are consumed globally as a snack, used in confectionery, bakery products, and processed into cashew butter, cashew milk, and cashew oil.

Nigeria is one of the world’s top producers of cashew nuts, exporting both raw cashew nuts (RCN) and processed kernels to international markets, particularly India, Vietnam, the UAE, and Europe.

Nutritional and Industrial Value

Cashew nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

• Nutritional Value (per 100g):

  • Energy: 553 kcal

  • Protein: 18 g

  • Fat: 44 g (mostly unsaturated)

  • Carbohydrates: 30 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Rich in magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc.

• Industrial Uses:

  • Food Industry: Snacks, confectioneries, ice cream toppings, dairy substitutes (cashew milk, cashew cheese).

  • Oil Industry: Cashew nut oil for cooking and cosmetics.

  • Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL): Used in paints, resins, varnishes, brake linings, and insecticides.

Export Value and Market Demand

Nigeria produces over 300,000 metric tons of raw cashew nuts annually, with about 90% exported. Export earnings from cashew are significant, making it one of Nigeria’s top non-oil export commodities.

• Top Export Destinations: India, Vietnam, UAE, USA, Netherlands, and Germany.

• Global Demand Drivers:

  • Rising consumption of plant-based snacks.

  • Increasing demand for vegan milk and dairy alternatives.

  • Expansion of nut-based confectionery and bakery industries.

Export Specifications for Cashew Nut

Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN):

• Moisture Content: Maximum 10%

• Nut Count: 170–200 nuts per kg

• Outturn: 48–52 lbs per 80 kg bag (export grade)

• Foreign Matter: Maximum 2%

• Defective Nuts: Maximum 10%

• Admixture: Maximum 1%

• Packaging: 80 kg jute bags

Cashew Kernels (Processed):

• Grades: W180, W210, W240, W320, W450 (based on size/weight per pound)

• Moisture Content: Maximum 5%

• Broken Kernels: Maximum 5% (for premium grade)

• Color: White, pale ivory, or light ash

• Packaging:

  • 10 kg vacuum-sealed pouches in 50 lb cartons.

  • Modified atmosphere or nitrogen flushing to extend shelf life.

Forms of Export

1. Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN): Unprocessed nuts in shell, sold in bulk mainly to India and Vietnam for processing.

2. Cashew Kernels: Shelled and graded nuts ready for direct consumption. More profitable due to higher market value.

3. Cashew By-products:

   • Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL): Industrial export.

   • Cashew Apple Juice: Though highly perishable, it is processed into wine, jam, and beverages for local and niche export markets.

Packaging for Export

• Raw Cashew Nuts: Packed in jute bags (80 kg) stacked on pallets for ventilation.

• Cashew Kernels: Packed in vacuum-sealed tins/pouches with nitrogen flushing to prevent rancidity. Exporters must ensure airtight and moisture-proof packaging.

UK Market Demand

The UK has a growing demand for cashew nuts as part of the health and wellness trend.

• Cashews are used in snack packs, plant-based diets, bakery, vegan dairy substitutes, and nut butters.

• UK supermarkets, health stores, and wholesale buyers prefer processed cashew kernels over raw cashew nuts.

• There is demand for Fairtrade and organic cashews, which command premium prices.

UK Import Requirement:

• Compliance with UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and EU/UK health & safety regulations.

• Packaging must be properly labeled with country of origin, net weight, allergen information, and batch code.

HS Codes for Cashew Nut

• Raw Cashew Nuts (in shell): HS Code 08013100

• Cashew Kernels (shelled): HS Code 08013200

Export Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:

• Rising global health-conscious population.

• Increased demand for nut-based snacks and dairy alternatives.

• Potential for value addition by processing cashew locally before export.

Challenges:

• Fluctuating global prices due to supply-demand imbalance.

• Competition from Vietnam and India (largest processors).

• Poor storage and post-harvest handling in producing regions.

Summary: Cashew nut is one of the most profitable export commodities from Nigeria with a high demand in the UK and global markets. Exporters can focus on both raw cashew nuts and processed kernels, but value-added processed cashew kernels bring higher returns. Meeting international specifications, ensuring proper packaging, and targeting premium buyers (organic/Fairtrade) will maximize export profitability.