Cashew Nut - RANDR CONNECT LIMITED

Cashew Nut (In-Shell and Processed)

What It Is

Cashew nut is the edible seed of the cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale), a tropical tree cultivated mainly for its valuable nuts. It comes in two major export forms:

In-Shell (Raw Cashew Nuts – RCN)
Processed (White Cashew Kernels)

Nigeria is one of the top producers and exporters of cashew nuts in Africa, supplying both raw and processed nuts to Europe, India, Vietnam, the Middle East, and the U.S.

Export Value & Market Demand

Cashew nuts are in high demand globally due to their use in food processing, snacks, confectioneries, and nut butter production. Processed cashew kernels fetch higher international value compared to raw cashew nuts due to their ready-to-consume state.

Industrial Uses

Confectionery & Snacks – Salted, roasted, and sweetened cashew nuts
Cashew Butter – Spread similar to peanut butter
Dairy Alternatives – Cashew milk
Cosmetics – Oil from cashew shells used in resins and lubricants
Food Ingredients – For cereals, baked goods, and desserts

Export Form

Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN): In-shell form, bulk-packed in jute or polypropylene bags
Cashew Kernels: Graded (WW180, WW210, WW240, WW320, etc.), vacuum packed or nitrogen-flushed in tins

HS Code

Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN): HS Code 08013100
Cashew Kernels (Processed): HS Code 08013200

Export Specifications

Specification Item	In-Shell (RCN)	Processed (Kernel)
Moisture Content	Max 10%	Max 5%
Nut Count/kg	180–200 (Varies by grade)	–
Outturn	45–50 lbs/80 kg bag	–
Defect Tolerance	Max 5% foreign matter	Max 5% (broken/discolored)
Kernel Grades	–	WW180, WW210, WW240, WW320 etc
Packaging	80 kg jute/poly bags	11.34 kg vacuum tins/cartons
Shelf Life	6–9 months (cool dry place)	12–18 months (if vacuum packed)
Storage Condition	Cool, dry & pest-free	Dry, cool (15–20°C), no sunlight

Packaging for Export

Raw Cashew Nuts: 80–100 kg bags (jute/polypropylene)
Processed Cashew Kernels: Vacuum sealed in tins or food-grade pouches, 25 lb cartons or export cartons for retail