Cashew Grades In Detail

Cashews are a popular ingredient in the global food industry, widely used in snack production, confectionery, and food manufacturing. Understanding cashew grades is essential for buyers, distributors, and manufacturers who source bulk cashews, as the grading system directly impacts pricing, quality, and intended applications. Cashew grades are classified based on size, color, shape, and processing methods, ensuring uniformity in international trade.

This guide explores the different cashew grades, their market relevance, and how businesses can select the right grade for their needs.

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How Cashew Grades Are Determined

Cashew grading follows international standards, primarily set by organizations like the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) and the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS). The grading process considers several key factors:

• Size: Larger cashews (e.g., WW180, WW210) are more expensive due to their rarity.
• Color: White cashews (WW) are preferred for premium products, while scorched cashews (SW) are used in processed foods.
• Shape: Whole cashews are more valuable than broken ones, which are used in bakery and confectionery applications.
• Defects: Cashews with discoloration, blemishes, or irregular shapes are categorized as lower-grade varieties.

The grading process ensures consistency and allows buyers to select the most suitable grade based on cost, application, and quality preference.

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Cashew Grades and Their Classifications

Whole Cashew Grades

Whole cashews are the most sought-after grades in the market, typically classified as White Wholes (WW) and Scorched Wholes (SW). The grading is based on the number of nuts per pound (lb) or kilogram (kg):

• WW180 (King Size Cashews) – Largest and most premium grade, with 180 nuts per lb.
• WW210 – Large-sized cashews, containing 210 nuts per lb.
• WW240 – A popular grade, offering a balance between size and price.
• WW320 – The most commonly traded grade due to its availability and affordability.
• WW450 & WW500 – Smaller cashews, often used in industrial applications.

Scorched Whole Grades (SW180, SW210, SW240, SW320, etc.) refer to cashews that are slightly browned during roasting, typically due to higher temperatures during processing. While SW cashews are cheaper, they retain their nutritional value and are widely used in cooking and processed food applications.

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Broken Cashew Grades

Broken cashew grades are used in nut butters, confectionery, bakery products, and food processing where whole nuts are not required. These include:

• Butts (B) – Halved cashew kernels, commonly used in food processing.
• Splits (S) – Cashews split naturally during processing, useful in snack mixes.
• Large White Pieces (LWP) – Uniform cashew pieces, suitable for granola and protein bars.
• Small White Pieces (SWP) – Small cashew bits used in spreads, sauces, and flavored coatings.
• Baby Bits (BB) – Tiny cashew fragments, ideal for industrial cashew applications.

Broken cashew grades are more affordable and offer cost-effective solutions for large-scale food manufacturers.

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Dessert Cashew Grades

Dessert grades include cashews that do not meet the standards for whole or premium broken grades but are still suitable for desserts, food coatings, and ingredient blends. These include:

• Dessert Wholes (DW) – Whole cashews with slight defects or discoloration, used in confectionery and flavored nut mixes.
• Scorched Dessert Wholes (SDW) – Slightly scorched cashews that retain good texture and flavor but have darker coloration.
• Dessert Pieces (DP) – Small pieces of cashews that are lower in cost but still usable for dessert recipes, toppings, and cashew-based pastes.

Dessert grades provide an economical alternative for food businesses looking for cashews suitable for mass-market baked goods and confectionery applications.

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Pricing and Market Trends for Different Cashew Grades

Cashew pricing is influenced by factors such as harvest yields, processing methods, and global demand. Typically, larger whole grades (WW180, WW210) command higher prices, while smaller whole grades (WW320, WW450) and broken grades are more cost-effective.

Recent market trends show:

• WW320 accounts for over 50% of global cashew trade due to its balance between size and price.
• Vietnam, India, and Ivory Coast are the largest cashew producers, collectively supplying over 75% of global cashew exports.
• The demand for organic cashews is rising, leading to price increases in certified organic WW grades.

For businesses sourcing cashews in bulk, monitoring seasonal fluctuations and supplier pricing strategies is crucial to securing competitive rates.

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Cashew Producing Countries

Different regions specialize in processing specific cashew grades:

• Vietnam – The largest exporter, supplying a broad range of cashew grades, especially WW320, WW240, and broken cashews.
• India – Known for high-quality WW180 and WW210 cashews, often used in premium retail markets.
• Ivory Coast & West Africa – Primary suppliers of raw cashew nuts, which are processed in Vietnam and India.
• Brazil & Indonesia – Emerging players in the cashew industry, producing WW240 and WW320 grades.

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Selecting the Right Cashew Grade for Your Business

When choosing a cashew grade, businesses should consider:

• Application: Whole cashews for snack production, broken cashews for food processing.
• Price Sensitivity: WW180 and WW210 are premium options, while WW320 and broken grades offer cost savings.
• Supply Stability: Consistently available grades (e.g., WW320) ensure reliable procurement for manufacturers.
• Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade, and HACCP-certified cashews may be required for specific markets.

Sourcing from trusted cashew nuts suppliers ensures product quality and compliance with international standards.

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