In the vast agricultural landscapes of Africa, a small nut has been making waves—the cashew nut. This kidney-shaped nut has become one of the most popular edible nuts on the market, with the food and beverage sector frequently using it in sweets, ice cream, and restaurants as a snack and ingredient. With a focus on African exporters, we delve into the rich landscape of raw cashew nuts and explore the avenues that make them a sought-after commodity on the international stage.

Cashews, scientifically known as Anacardium Occidentale, are not just nuts but a treasure trove of nutrition and economic promise. Here are some reasons that make the nut stand out:

1. Culinary Versatility: The versatility of raw cashew nuts goes from mere snacking to diverse culinary creations. From savoury dishes to delightful desserts and the ever-popular nut butter, the culinary applications of raw cashew nuts open doors to various market segments, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.

2. Nutritional Riches: Beyond their exquisite taste, raw cashew nuts boast a nutritional profile that aligns seamlessly with the burgeoning global demand for healthy and natural snacks. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these nuts provide several health advantages, including lowering blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, preventing cancer and gallstones, and supporting healthy brain function.

3. Sustainable Appeal: In an era where sustainability is a clarion call, raw cashew nuts stand as a compelling choice. The cultivation of cashews supports eco-friendly practices, promotes biodiversity, and provides sustainable livelihoods for communities engaged in the cashew value chain.

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the use of raw cashew nuts. This is largely due to consumer trends shifting to healthier diets, thereby increasing the usage of cashew nuts in ready-to-eat foods in the US, China, and Europe. This is leading to tremendous growth in the market. According to reports, the global cashew market size reached $7 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach an expected value of $10.5 billion by 2031.

When it comes to the global cashew trade, African nations play a pivotal role. The continent boasts some of the top cashew-producing countries, including but not limited to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and Tanzania. These countries contribute significantly to the world's cashew production, with ideal climatic conditions and agricultural practices that foster high-quality yields.

In 2021, African cashew-exporting countries accounted for 37.6% of the total cashew exports. In the same year, Ivory Coast was the second largest cashew exporter in the world, with $1.07 billion in export value. Other countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and Tanzania also did $454 million, $322 million, $274 million, and $212 million in export value.

Generally, harvesting seasons in countries north of the equator, like West Africa, are early in the year until approximately mid-year. This means that we are in the season of abundance, making it a good season for African Cashew exporters to strategically position themselves to harness the wealth this crop brings.

As African exporters navigate the complexities of global trade, the future of cashew exports from Africa looks promising. With the support of platforms like Fluna, which connects African exporters with international buyers and provides financing, African exporters are poised to play a significant role in meeting the increasing global demand for raw cashew nuts.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, the cashew trade has become a beacon of prosperity for African nations and a testament to the wealth that can be unlocked through agricultural exports. You can get started today: sourcing.fluna.co