Talk about a snack that has become a top choice in the plant-based dairy aisle.
It's none other than a cashew nut.
The cashew apple is actually an accessory fruit, while the edible seed is the true fruit.
Careful processing removes toxic anacardic acid. It is similar to poison ivy irritants, for safe and creamy kernels we enjoy as roasted cashew treats.
Even if cashews are one of the most in-demand nuts right now, they are not grown in every country.
Some produce them while others import them.
In this blog, we have covered 7 countries where cashews are grown in gigantic amounts.
1. Côte d'Ivoire – 1,940 million pounds
Topping the list as the world’s largest producer of cashews is Côte d'Ivoire.
This West African nation produces an astounding 1,940 million pounds of cashews yearly, accounting for a significant portion of the global supply.
In recent years, Côte d'Ivoire has made strides in growing and processing cashews locally, creating more economic opportunities and increasing its market share worldwide.
Their consistent output has made it a leader in the global cashew industry.
2. India – 1,500 million pounds
India follows closely behind as the second-largest producer of cashews, contributing 1,500 million pounds annually.
Cashews are a staple in many Indian households, used in everything from traditional sweets to curries.
India is also one of the largest consumers of cashews.
To meet domestic demand, India is well-established in importing raw cashews from other countries.
Known for its premium-quality nuts, India remains a key player in cashew production and export.
3. Vietnam – 680 million pounds
Vietnam has rapidly grown its cashew production industry, currently the third-largest producer with 680 million pounds annually.
What sets Vietnam apart is its advanced processing capabilities.
This allows the country to process and export huge volumes of cashews worldwide.
In fact, Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of processed cashews, and its cutting-edge technology and infrastructure give it a competitive edge in the global market.
4. Philippines – 440 million pounds
The Philippines produces 440 million pounds of cashews annually.
Smallholder farmers essentially do cashew farming in the Philippines, and the crop plays a vital role in the rural economy.
While the Philippines may not produce as much as other countries on the list, its cashew exports are highly regarded for their quality.
With growing interest in organic and sustainably produced cashews, the Philippines is set to become an even bigger player in the cashew industry.
5. Tanzania – 430 million pounds
Tanzania ranks among the top five, producing 430 million pounds of cashews each year.
The East African country has a long history of cashew farming.
And in recent years, the government has worked to boost production by investing in better farming techniques and infrastructure.
Cashew farming is a major source of income for Tanzanian farmers.
With growing demand, Tanzania is positioned to increase its production further in the coming years.
6. Nigeria - 530 million pounds
Growing cashews is now a big part of Nigeria's exports to other countries.
The cashew plants grow well in their hot, grassy, and forest areas.
The government helped farmers learn better ways to grow and process small amounts of nuts, which helped them earn more money.
Now, Nigeria sells both raw cashews and roasted ones.
This is because more people in Nigeria want them, and it helps Nigeria sell more cashews worldwide.
7. Indonesia - 195.5 million pounds
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia produces a lot of cashews.
They mostly grow them in Java, Sulawesi, and Flores.
Cashew trees like the soil from volcanoes and the rain that changes with the seasons. Indonesia sells raw nuts.
They also roast the cashew kernels and make things from the cashew apple in their own country.
Moreover, they invest in new buildings and better seeds.
This has made their cashew business grow steadily.
Now, Indonesia sells a lot of cashews in its region and is becoming more important in the world's cashew market.
The Ending Note
One thing is for sure: cashews grow across diverse tropical climates.
These eight countries showcase the journey of the cashew Anacardium occidentale, a false fruit on top and the true fruit kernel below.
Processing removes anacardic acid irritants, transforming raw seeds into delicious roasted cashew kernels.
The demand for cashews is not ending.
The regions mentioned above will be essential for a steady, safe, and sustainable supply.
