At the recent AICA Cashew Convention, leading cashew expert Jim Fitzpatrick shared global demand and consumption trends, which showed that demand has doubled in 20 years.
Cashews have gained tremendous popularity in the last few years due to their versatility in cooking, their health-supporting qualities, and the fact that they're a sustainable option. Cultivation contributes to job creation, income generation, and rural development in cashew-producing countries. In West Africa, cashew farming is now a high-value crop. However, the cashew industry's impact goes beyond direct employment, helping local economies by stimulating related businesses and services.
But these points are just a quick overview of the appeal of the humble cashew. Here are seven key reasons why cashews are so popular:
Culinary Versatility
Cashews are exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. You can eat them raw or roasted. They make a great snack, and you can use them in dishes from desserts to savoury meals. Cashews have a unique buttery flavour that enhances the taste of sweet and savoury foods. They're crucial in many plant-based products, including cashew milk, cheese, and butter—and as this illustrates, they cater very well to the growing demand for dairy alternatives. This versatility allows cashews to meet diverse consumer preferences and diets, making them a staple in culinary traditions worldwide.
Accomplished chef and zero-waste plant-based restaurant owner Vojtech Vegh has published a book about food waste prevention. He helps chefs worldwide eliminate food waste from their kitchens and create circular menus, and he's a big fan of cashews. He says:
"I will still rather use cashews for creamy vegan sauces than a packaged 'plant-based cream' with 15 ingredients.
“Cashew is a good friend of every chef who likes plant-based food.
“It's one of the most universal products and my favorite to use when I want a rich smooth creamy sauce."
Economic Significance
For producers, cashews represent a valuable agricultural commodity with significant economic potential. The global cashew market has been growing steadily, driven by demand in key markets like the United States, Germany, and China. The nut's popularity as a snack and ingredient fuels this demand by its role in the plant-based food movement. Cashews are economically vital in major producing countries, including Vietnam, India, and the Ivory Coast.
Côte d'Ivoire has made significant strides in the local processing of cashews:
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- Local processing grew from 6.22% of national production in 2016 to 21% in 2023.
- The industry now boasts over 30 processing units with a combined capacity of 350,000 tonnes.
- These processing facilities have generated over 15,000 direct jobs, with 70% held by women.
Health and Sustainability Trends
Nutritious diets and eco-friendly foods are increasingly popular worldwide among consumers who want nutritious foods produced sustainably and ethically. And this trend has undoubtedly boosted cashew popularity, especially in the vegan community. Cashews are rich in vital nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, and iron, and organic cashew production avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making them a very healthy snack option.
According to the USDA, per 100g of cashews:
Economic Viability of Cashews for Smallholder Farmers
Cashew cultivation is now a valuable agricultural commodity. This is especially true in West Africa, where it has become a primary source of income for millions of smallholder farmers. The crop thrives in poor soil and has few pest problems, making it an attractive option for farmers in these regions.
However, according to the UN, Africa produces most of the world's raw cashews but processes very few. This means the continent is missing out on significant economic opportunities created by the booming global demand.
Job Creation
The cashew industry is labour-intensive, especially when it comes to processing. It involves shelling, peeling, grading, and packaging the nuts, which creates many jobs, especially in rural areas where locals often have few options. The processing of cashew nuts in West Africa can generate 80-200 jobs per 1,000 tons of raw cashews (the number of machines used determines the number of jobs available), plus other jobs are created for farm labourers to plant and harvest cashews during those seasons.
Income Generation
Growing cashews significantly contributes to income generation for smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the value chain, including traders, processors, and exporters. The income from cashew cultivation can be substantially higher than traditional staple crops, making it a lucrative option for farmers. This extra income can significantly improve the financial situation of many families involved in the industry, improving living standards and enabling them to invest in key areas like education and healthcare.
Contribution to Local Economies
The cashew industry helps local economies through direct employment, income generation, and stimulating related businesses and services. These include transportation, packaging, equipment maintenance, and financial services. The industry's growth can also attract investment, supporting infrastructure development, such as roads and processing facilities (which have wider economic benefits).
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its significant economic potential, the cashew industry faces challenges impacting its contribution to local economies. These include limited credit access, inadequate processing facilities, fluctuating prices, and the need for better farming practices. Policy, capacity building, and infrastructure investments can help the sector address these challenges, making it more sustainable and boosting its role in economic development.
The cashew industry gives hope to many countries, especially in West Africa. Our home—Côte d'Ivoire—shows its transformative power. We at Cashew Coast are committed to an industry that benefits all, from the farmers we're dedicated to supporting and empowering to the consumers who want more organic, ethically, and sustainably sourced cashews.
