Which Country Produces the Most Cashew Nuts? Top Producers and Insights for Businesses

Discover which country produces the most cashew nuts and explore the top cashew growing countries. This guide offers key insights into cashew cultivation, quality, and export trends for businesses seeking reliable cashew nut suppliers.

Introduction

Cashew nuts are a global commodity prized for their nutritional value, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and versatility in food processing, from cashew snacks to plant-based products. For businesses in the B2B marketplace, understanding where cashew nuts are grown and which country produces the most cashews—and offers the best quality and supply reliability—is critical for navigating the cashew industry.

Research reveals that Ivory Coast, home to the world's largest cashew production, leads the world in cashew cultivation, boasting an impressive 1,044,450 tonnes in 2023, according to FAOSTAT. However, India and Vietnam also play pivotal roles in the cashew value chain, excelling in quality and export capabilities. Surprisingly, Vietnam, despite producing fewer cashews domestically (347,634 tonnes in 2023), dominates as the world's top exporter of processed cashews, shipping over 730,000 tonnes in 2024, per The Investor.

This article dives into the top cashew producing countries, their strengths, and what they mean for your business in the global cashew trade, including insights on where most cashews come from and the best cashews in the world.

Understanding Cashew Nut Production

Cashew nuts come from cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale), tropical evergreens thriving in warm, humid climates, as noted by Wikipedia. The cashew harvest process involves harvesting the cashew apple, extracting the nut, and removing its toxic cashew shell through roasting or steaming—a labor-intensive task that impacts quality and cost. Key factors influencing where cashews grow in the world include:

• Climate: Tropical climates with 1,000–2,000 mm of annual rainfall are ideal.

• Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam boosts yields.

• Farming Practices: Irrigation, pest control, and sustainable agricultural practices enhance output.

For businesses, knowing these factors helps assess a country's cashew processing capacity and consistency—crucial for securing a steady supply of raw or processed cashews, including shelled cashew nuts and cashew kernels.

Top Cashew-Producing Countries for Businesses

Here's a detailed look at the leading cashew growing countries, based on data from FAOSTAT, Helgi Library, and other reliable sources, showcasing cashew production by country and where do most cashews come from.

Ivory Coast

• Production: Approximately 1,044,450 tonnes in 2023, making it the top producer globally.

• Quality: Known for high-quality raw cashew nuts (RCN), praised for size and freshness, often considered the biggest cashew in the world.

• Export Capabilities: Leads in cashew export promotion, with 71% going to India and 28% to Vietnam, according to Shelling Machine. Only 22% of its output is processed locally, per Reuters.

• Business Environment: Offers competitive pricing for raw nuts but faces challenges with political stability and limited domestic cashew processing capacity.

India

• Production: Around 782,000 tons in 2023.

• Quality: Renowned for premium processed and organic cashew nuts, certified by international bodies.

• Export Capabilities: A major player in cashew trade, exporting both raw and processed cashews, serving markets like the US, China, and the European cashew market.

• Business Environment: Strong agricultural infrastructure supports production, though labor costs may be higher than in some competitors.

Vietnam

• Production: Approximately 347,634 tons in 2023.

• Quality: Excels in processed cashew nuts, with organic cashew nuts from regions like Binh Phuoc Province.

• Export Capabilities: The global leader in the cashew processing industry, with impressive cashew export statistics showing 730,000 tonnes shipped in 2024 to over 90 countries, including the US and China, according to The Investor. Engages in significant cashew import, nearly 2 million tonnes of raw cashews annually, mostly from Africa, per Freshela Exporters..

• Business Environment: Robust export networks and government support make it a top choice, though reliance on imported raw nuts is a consideration.

By 2023, Vietnam had become the world’s leading producer of cashew nuts, surpassing long-time leaders like India and Ivory Coast. This achievement is the result of strategic efforts from both the government and private sector to improve productivity, quality, and processing methods. Vietnam has focused on researching pest-resistant, high-yield cashew varieties and investing in modern processing facilities to ensure better quality and faster production.

Other Notable Producers

• Brazil: Produced 164,152 tons in 2023, known for organic cashew nuts.

• Indonesia: Output of 136,264 tons in 2023, with a focus on regional markets.

• Philippines: Around 136,264 tons in 2023, offering niche supply options.

These countries provide alternatives for businesses targeting specific markets or sustainable sourcing.

Comparing Cashew Production and Quality

Here's a snapshot of how the top producers stack up:

• Quality Certifications: Vietnam and India lead in organic certifications, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable products.

• Raw vs. Processed: Ivory Coast dominates raw supply, while Vietnam and India excel in value-added processing, including cashew butter and other cashew ingredients.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cashew-Producing Country

For B2B buyers, selecting the right supplier country involves more than just production volume:

• Product Type: Need inshell cashew nuts? Ivory Coast or India. Processed nuts? Vietnam is unmatched.

• Supply Stability: Ivory Coast's high output is tempered by political risks, per Reuters. Vietnam offers consistent exports despite lower domestic production.

• Sustainability: Vietnam and India emphasize organic farming, meeting eco-conscious market demands.

• Logistics and Trade: Vietnam's vast export network contrasts with India's cost-competitive shipping, per Freshela Exporters.
• Climate Change: Consider the impact of changing weather patterns on cashew cultivation regions and production stability.
• Farmer Support: Countries investing in farmer training and support may offer more reliable long-term partnerships.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The cashew industry is evolving, driven by:

• Demand Growth: Expected to rise 4.6% annually through 2027, fueled by vegan diets and plant-based foods.

• Emerging Markets: The US and China are key growth drivers for cashew consumption.

• Technology: India's adoption of modern processing tech boosts efficiency, per Cashews.org.

• Byproducts: Increasing interest in cashew shell liquid and other cashew-derived products.
• Economic Transformation: Cashew farming is contributing to economic growth in producing countries, supported by initiatives from the World Bank and private investments.
• Training Centers: Establishment of training centers to improve cashew farming techniques and boost productivity. These centers help farmers learn best practices for cashew cultivation and processing. A notable example is the cashew training center in Vietnam, which focuses on enhancing farmers' skills and knowledge in sustainable cashew production.

Businesses can leverage these cashew industry trends by partnering with producers like Vietnam for processed nuts or Ivory Coast for raw supply, depending on their needs in the cashew value chain.

Looking to the future, the cashew nut industry is expected to keep growing. More people are choosing cashews because they are healthy and can be used in many ways. But to keep up this growth, producers will need to adjust to changes in the environment and use more sustainable methods. New developments in biotechnology and fair trade are also likely to help shape the industry, making sure it stays both successful and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

So, where do cashews grow in the world, and what country produces the most cashews? Ivory Coast takes the crown as the largest cashew producer with over 1 million tonnes annually, followed by India and Vietnam. Yet, production volume is just one piece of the puzzle in the cashew industry. India offers quality and versatility, while Vietnam reigns supreme in cashew processing and exports.

For B2B buyers, the choice hinges on specific needs—raw or shelled cashew nuts, cost or sustainability. Explore these top cashew producing countries further to find the perfect partner for your supply chain and capitalize on the growing cashew market. Understanding where cashew nuts are grown and the unique strengths of each producing region can help businesses make informed decisions in the global nut market.

FAQs

Q: Which country is the largest producer of cashews globally?

A: Ivory Coast leads with 1,044,450 tonnes in 2023, making it the top producer, followed by India and Vietnam.

Q: Why is Vietnam a leader in cashew exports despite lower production?

A: Vietnam excels in cashew processing, exporting 730,000 tonnes in 2024, thanks to robust networks and imports of raw nuts.

Q: Are cashews from Vietnam safe to eat?

A: Yes, Vietnam's cashews meet international standards, with many certified organic, ensuring safety and quality for consumers.

Q: What is the difference between cashew production in India and Ivory Coast?

A: Ivory Coast focuses on raw cashew nuts, while India emphasizes processed and organic cashews with strong certifications.

Q: How does cashew processing impact Vietnam's cashew market?

A: Vietnam's advanced processing turns imported raw nuts into high-quality products, driving its dominance in global cashew exports.

Q: Where are most cashews grown in Vietnam?

A: Binh Phuoc Province is a key region for Vietnam cashew production, known for high-quality and organic cashew nuts.

Q: What are the benefits of sourcing cashews from top producers?

A: Top producers like Vietnam and India offer quality, organic options, and reliable supply for businesses in the cashew market.

Q: Is a nut a producer in the cashew industry?

A: While cashews are classified as nuts commercially, they're actually seeds. The cashew tree is the producer, not the nut itself.

Q: How do cashew nut prices vary among top producing countries?

A: Ivory Coast offers competitive raw nut prices, while Vietnam and India command higher rates for processed cashews.

Q: What drives the demand for organic cashews in the global market?

A: Growing vegan diets and eco-conscious consumers boost demand for organic cashews, especially from Vietnam and India.