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As people worldwide embrace healthier lifestyles, the demand for nutritious foods like cashews has emerged as a top choice for health-conscious consumers. This trend has highlighted major producers like Ivory Coast, the world’s leading producer and exporter of cashews. Ivorian cashews are highly sought after by top importers such as Vietnam, India, the European Union and the United States for their exceptional taste and quality.
But what makes Ivorian cashews so special? Let’s explore the journey of Ivorian cashews and the qualities that make them a top global snack.
From farm to global market: The journey of Ivorian cashews
Ivory Coast produces about 1 million tons of cashews annually and has built a reputation as the largest producer of cashews. Despite this volume, the majority of raw cashews are exported to Asia, particularly to powerhouses like Vietnam and India for processing while only 20% cashews are processed locally. This gap between production and export status is not merely a resource issue but a logistical and economic puzzle that has significant implications for the Global Supply Chain.
However, Ivory Coast aims to process 40-50% of its cashews domestically by 2025, by increasingly focusing on expanding local processing capacity to capture more value from its production. With government support through incentives and investment in processing infrastructure, the country
Overcoming challenges and delivering quality
Transporting cashews from Ivory Coast to global markets involves complex logistics. Abidjan, a major export hub, connects directly to destinations in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The biggest challenges in the supply chain include climate-related risks and the labour-intensive nature of cashew processing. Nevertheless, by addressing these challenges and investing in advanced logistics, Ivory Coast is well-positioned to increase its share of the global market.
Ivory Coast has invested in meeting stringent global quality standards, especially for the European Union, one of its primary markets. By focusing on transparency, fair labour practices and premium quality, Ivory Coast has solidified its reputation as a reliable supplier of ethically sourced cashews. With these efforts, Ivory Coast is well-poised to remain a dominant force in the global cashew market, offering a product that consumers love and trust.
