Cashew Nuts · Nigeria

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. Cashew is an edible nut which is rich in oil and protein. The kernet is found inside a kidney-shaped (or, boxing-glove shaped, if you prefer) inedible nut of a cashew apple. Cashew kernels are packed with calories, soluble dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and numerous health-promoting phyto-chemicals that help protect form diseases and cancers. All over the world, cashew is primarily used as snacks although they are frequently used in Indian cuisine too. 80% of global use is by the snack industry which makes use of the whole kernels. A lesser industry is the food processing industry which makes use of broken kernels, where they are used for chocolate bars, confectioneries, baked foods, cashew butter, cake and ice cream toppings and breakfast cereals.