India's Cashew Industry
India pioneered commercial cashew processing and remains the world's largest processor. With 1.5-2M MT of raw cashew processed annually across 3,500+ factories, India exports $500-800M in premium cashew kernels to the US, EU, UAE, and Japan.
Product Grades
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Processing Hubs
Kollam, Kerala
India's Cashew Capital
600+ processing units, 300,000+ workers. India's largest cashew processing cluster. Hand-grading expertise, premium whole kernels. CEPCI headquarters nearby. 60%+ of India's processed cashew output.
Mangalore & Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Mechanized & Hand Processing
400+ processing units. Mix of traditional hand-processing and modern mechanized lines. Growing organic cashew processing. Key export hub via Mangalore port.
Goa
Traditional Processing
One of India's oldest cashew processing regions. Known for cashew feni (spirit). Premium quality hand-processed kernels. Smaller but high-quality production.
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Large-Scale Mechanized Processing
Rapidly growing processing hub. Large mechanized factories processing imported raw cashew from Africa. Cost-efficient processing. Export via Vizag port.
Source Cashew Nuts from India
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How to Source
Define Grade & Specifications
Specify kernel grade (W-180/210/240/320/450), moisture content (<5%), broken percentage, colour standards, and packaging (vacuum pack/tin/carton).
Verify CEPCI Registration
Ensure exporter is CEPCI-registered. Check FSSAI licence, HACCP/BRC certification, and past export track record via DGFT data.
Request Samples & Lab Testing
Get 1-2kg samples. Test for aflatoxin, moisture, foreign matter, microbiological safety, and pesticide residues per importing country standards.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Inspect kernel count per pound, colour uniformity, moisture levels, vacuum-pack seal integrity, and fumigation certificate.
Indicative Pricing (FOB India)
| Grade | Price Range | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| W-180 (King Size) | $8 – $12/kg | 1 MT |
| W-240 (Standard Premium) | $6 – $9/kg | 1 MT |
| W-320 (Most Common) | $5 – $7.50/kg | 2 MT |
| Splits (S) | $4 – $6/kg | 2 MT |
| Pieces (LP/SP) | $3 – $5/kg | 5 MT |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is India's cashew export industry?
India is the world's largest cashew processor and 2nd largest exporter after Vietnam. India processes 1.5-2M MT of raw cashew nuts annually and exports $500-800M in processed cashew kernels. India pioneered the cashew processing industry and remains the global benchmark for hand-graded premium kernels.
What cashew grades can I source from India?
Key grades (CEPCI classification): W-180 (King size), W-210, W-240 (most traded), W-320 (standard), W-450 (pieces). Also: Scorched Wholes (SW), Dessert Wholes (DW), Splits (S, SS), Butts (B, SB), Pieces (LP, SP, SPS), and Baby Bits (BB). Organic and flavoured cashews growing rapidly.
Where are India's cashew processing centres?
Kerala (Kollam) — India's cashew capital, 600+ processing units. Karnataka (Mangalore/Dakshina Kannada) — 400+ units. Goa — traditional processing hub. Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam) — growing mechanized processing. Maharashtra (Sindhudurg/Ratnagiri) — Konkan coast processing.
What certifications do Indian cashew exporters need?
Key: FSSAI licence (mandatory), CEPCI membership (Cashew Export Promotion Council of India), HACCP, BRC, ISO 22000, USDA Organic / EU Organic / India NPOP, kosher, halal, and Fairtrade certification for premium markets.
Why source cashews from India vs Vietnam or Africa?
India offers: superior hand-grading quality (whole kernels with fewer breakage), strong organic certification infrastructure, the CEPCI grading system as global benchmark, transparent export documentation via CEPCI, and premium positioning — Indian cashews command higher prices due to quality perception.
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