NEPC: Nigeria is a leading exporter of premium quality raw cashew nuts

Nigeria is a major and growing player in the cashew industry with rising market share in global cashew production, with an annual average production increase of 5%. Production is projected to go only one way – upwards. By 2030, we will produce 300,000 metric tonnes of cashew.

We have a relatively long cashew producing season – December to June. Cashew is stored, so exporting goes on all year around. Supply is therefore guaranteed. All exporting companies comply with most important food safety standards (SPS). Adherence to best practices and food safety at all steps in the value chain (farmer àmerchant à processor à exporter) Nigerian cashew boast excellent qualities such as good nut count, high kernel output ratio, excellent moisture content and less defective nuts.

Reasons to buy Cashew from Nigeria

1. Nigeria is a leading exporter of premium quality raw cashew nuts, with an average 48 kernel yield out-turn.
2. Nigeria guarantees a reliable and sustainable supply base in their cashew offer. Our large production base with 19 producing states makes us the fourth largest producer of cashew nuts worldwide.
3. Liberal market leads to international price competitiveness compared to other significant African cashew suppliers.
4. Sourcing from Nigeria enhances gender empowerment, as over 70% of the workforce are women.
5. Fruitful and conducive geographic conditions ensure high peelability, making the Nigerian raw cashew nuts easy to process.

Companies and structure

The Nigerian cashew sector is dominated by smallholder farmers. numbered at about 25,000 and some commercial plantations, with an average cultivated area of 325,000 hectares, local processing industry is growing gradually while there is a significant rise in export due to increased awareness of export potential and processing opportunities. Other actors in the ecosystems include local buying agents, processors, exporters and service providers. The industry employs mostly women constituting about 70% of the workforce, mainly working in cashew processing.

Culled from: NEPC