Cashew Wholesale

What are Cashews?

Cashews are the edible seeds of the Anacardium occidentale tree, which is native to Brazil but now widely grown in tropical regions worldwide. Known for their unique kidney shape, cashews are a staple in plant-based diets and an ingredient in dairy alternatives like cashew milk and cashew cheese. Cashew suppliers play a key role in delivering high-quality nuts across global markets, with both whole and processed forms available. Almonds, another widely used nut, complement cashews in many food formulations.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Cashew

Cashews are available in several grades and forms, including whole cashews, splits, pieces, and various sizes. They may also come in different processing options such as raw, roasted, salted, and unsalted. For culinary uses, cashews can be ground into flour, made into butter, or used in sauces, providing versatility for food manufacturers and chefs alike.

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Cashew nuts are typically graded based on their size, color, and whether they are whole or broken. The grades help buyers identify the quality and intended use of the nuts, whether for direct consumption or further processing. Here are the primary grades of cashews:

1. Whole Grades:
   • W-180 (King of Cashews): This is the largest whole cashew grade, known for its premium quality.
   • W-210: Often referred to as "Jumbo" cashews, these are slightly smaller than W-180.
   • W-240: Known for being large and desirable, this grade is commonly used in premium nut mixes and snacks.
   • W-320: The most popular grade, W-320 cashews are medium-sized and widely used due to their balance between size and affordability.
   • W-450: A smaller whole grade, W-450 cashews are more economical and often used in bulk food products.
2. Split and Broken Grades:
   • SW (Scorched Wholes): These are whole cashews that have been slightly scorched or browned during processing, often used in cooking or for roasted applications.
   • S (Splits): Split cashews are halves, commonly used in snack products or further processing.
   • LWP (Large White Pieces): Large pieces of broken cashews, ideal for industrial use in products like granola or baked goods.
   • SWP (Small White Pieces): Smaller pieces often used for cashew butter or in confectionery.
   • BB (Baby Bits): Very small pieces, typically used in food processing where size is not critical, such as in pastes or cashew-based sauces.

Each grade serves different purposes, with whole grades often used for retail and premium products, while split and broken grades are common in food manufacturing and processing.

Harvest Season of Cashew

The harvest season for cashews varies based on the region, typically occurring between February and May in the Northern Hemisphere. After harvesting, cashews undergo careful processing to remove their toxic outer shells, making them safe for consumption. This seasonal cycle plays a role in determining supply availability, with many suppliers coordinating efforts to ensure a steady supply of cashews year-round.

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Producing Countries

India, Vietnam, and Brazil are the top cashew-producing countries, each contributing unique qualities to the global supply. India and Vietnam are particularly known for their processing expertise, while Brazil remains a key source of premium-quality cashews. Other countries in Africa are also emerging as significant cashew producers, adding to the diversity and availability of cashew products worldwide. However, cashew shelling is labor-intensive, often involving manual processing, which raises ethical sourcing concerns. Additionally, market price fluctuations linked to global harvests can impact pricing strategies for bulk buyers.

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Trends & History

Cashews have a rich history, originating in South America before spreading to other tropical regions. Today, cashews are popular in both traditional and plant-based diets, with trends showing increased demand for dairy-free products and healthy snacks. Cashew butter, milk, and other alternatives continue to grow in popularity, reflecting consumer interest in nutritious, plant-based options.

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Wholesale Cashew Nuts

Wholesale Cashew Nuts are a popular and nutritious ingredient used in various food products, from snacks to cooking and confectionery. At Nutrada, businesses can connect with trusted suppliers offering raw, roasted, salted, or unsalted cashew nuts, ideal for trail mixes, nut butters, baked goods, or as a healthy snack option.

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Bulk Cashew Nuts

For large-scale manufacturers, bulk cashew nuts offer a flexible and cost-effective ingredient for a wide variety of products. Cashews are available in whole, broken, or even roasted forms, making them ideal for use in nut mixes, dairy alternatives, and baking. Nutrada’s platform allows buyers to compare cashew nut suppliers based on quality, origin, and processing methods to find the best fit for their production needs. Bulk cashews are typically available in 50lb (22.68kg) vacuum-sealed tins or multi-layer sacks

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Private Label Cashew Nuts

As consumer demand for premium, clean-label products grows, cashew nuts offer an excellent opportunity for private label offerings. Through Nutrada, you can find suppliers who offer cashew nuts packaged in customizable pouches or jars (250g, 500g, 1kg). With tailored labeling, you can create your own branded line of cashew products, launching new products without the need for significant manufacturing infrastructure.

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Organic Cashew Nuts

For businesses focused on sustainability and natural ingredients, organic cashew nuts are a perfect choice. These nuts are grown without synthetic chemicals and meet the highest organic certification standards, including USDA and EU Organic certifications. Nutrada connects you with organic-certified suppliers who provide full transparency from farm to packaging, ensuring top-quality cashews that are packed in moisture-protected bags to guarantee freshness and long shelf life.

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Find Cashew Nut Suppliers on Nutrada

Nutrada makes sourcing cashew nuts effortless by providing direct access to suppliers from top global production regions such as India, Ivory Coast, and Vietnam. Our platform offers comprehensive supplier insights, including certifications, capabilities, and product specifications, helping you make the best choice for your business. Sign up today and take advantage of a B2B marketplace designed to streamline your supplier search.