Top 10 Cashew Producing Countries in the World

Cashews are some of the world’s most popular and valuable nuts, valued for their creamy texture, rich flavour and nutritional benefits. They are widely used in snacks, confectionary, chocolates, plant based products and in various food industries. Cashew trees are native to Brazil but are now grown throughout the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Countries with warm climate, moderate rainfall and good soil conditions dominate the production of cashews. Today, the main suppliers of cashews to the world markets are India, Vietnam and Ivory Coast. Keep reading in detail.

Largest Producer of Cashews in the World

India is one of the world’s largest cashew producers and has a long history of cashew growing and processing. Cashew trees were brought to India by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, and the crop became a major agricultural product, especially in coastal regions. Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Odisha are the major cashew growing areas. India is among the world’s largest processors and exporters of cashew. It has a robust processing industry employing millions.

Top 10 Cashew Producing Countries in the World

1. India

India is one of the largest cashew producing countries and has one of the oldest cashew industries in the world. The country’s coastal climate provides the best conditions for cashew cultivation and states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Odisha contribute significantly to production. Kerala is also very famous for its cashew processing industry especially Quilon. India is also the largest producer of high quality cashew kernel and exporter of processed cashew to the world markets.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cashew. The country has a very advanced processing industry and processes large quantities of cashew nuts. Vietnam exported cashew kernels to major international markets, including the United States, Europe and other Asian countries. The country’s tropical climate and improved agricultural practices have made it a major player in the world cashew industry.

3. Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast has emerged as one of Africa’s leading cashew producers. The crop provides an important source of income for farmers and plays a major role in the country’s agricultural exports. Good tropical conditions coupled with increased investment in farming and processing facilities have reinforced Ivory Coast’s position in the global cashew market. The country is also looking to boost local processing rather than exporting raw cashew nuts.

4. Cambodia

Cambodia is becoming a significant player in global cashew production, thanks to its favourable climate and a growing agricultural sector. The country has vast land areas for cashew farming, especially in rural areas where many farmers depend on the crop for income. Cambodia has increased its cashew production in recent years helped by rising global demand and greater investment in agriculture.

5. Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest cashew producers, with production largely in the coastal regions. Cashews are a key agricultural export crop and provide livelihoods for tens of thousands of farmers. The country produces a lot of raw cashew nuts which are supplied to international markets. The cashew sector has also become more important in Tanzania, with efforts to improve processing facilities.

6. Philippines

The Philippines grows cashew primarily in tropical weather conditions that are suitable for the crop. Growing cashews supports local agricultural economies and provides a livelihood for many small farmers. The nuts are consumed locally and used in a variety of food items. The Philippines remains a major cashew-producing country but its production is not as large as that of major producing countries.

7. Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is one of West Africa's leading cashew producers and cashew is one of the country's primary agricultural exports. Cashew cultivation is economically important since many farmers depend on it for their livelihood. With its climate favourable for growing cashew nuts and the rising global demand, the industry has become increasingly important.

8. Brazil

The cashew tree is native to Brazil and the country is still a big producer. The main area of cashew cultivation is the northeast of Brazil due to the climatic and agricultural conditions. Brazil’s historical role in the development of the world cashew industry and the quality of its cashews are highly appreciated.

9. Indonesia

Indonesia is a producer of cashew nuts and the climate in several tropical areas is suitable for their growth. The crop is grown mainly by small farmers and provides rural income. Indonesia is a known producer of cashew nuts, but its production is less than other countries such as India and Vietnam. It has the potential to grow more.

10. Nigeria

Nigeria is one of Africa’s cashew growing countries and has great prospects in the global cashew market. It is cultivated in many states and has become an important agricultural export product. Nigeria has been striving to increase processing capacity and add value to its cashew industry, moving away from depending mainly on the export of raw nuts.

Why Are Cashews Mostly Grown in Tropical Countries?

Cashew trees need warm temperatures, plenty of sunlight and moderate rainfall to thrive. They do best in tropical and coastal areas where the temperature never varies throughout the year. Under these conditions the trees produce high quality cashew apples and nuts. Tropical Asia, Africa and South America contain many of the world’s leading cashew-producing countries.

Interesting Facts About Cashews

Cashews Are Not True Nuts

Cashews are technically seeds, not nuts, because they grow attached to the bottom of the cashew apple. They do not grow in a typical nut shell like walnuts or almonds.

Cashew Apples Are Also Edible

The fruit of the cashew nut is called the cashew apple. It is eaten fresh and in some countries used for juices, jams and beverages.

India Has a Famous Cashew Processing Industry

Kollam district in Kerala is famous for its cashew processing industry, and has contributed significantly in making India a global name in cashew production.

Cashew Shells Have Industrial Uses

Cashews have an outer shell that contains compounds used to make industrial products such as resins, coatings and other materials.

Cashew Trees Can Produce for Many Years

Cashew trees are long-term crops that can produce fruit for decades if conditions are good, making them a valuable option for farmers.