First cashew factory in Côte d’Ivoire to be BRC certified

Feb 18th 2020 

In February 2020, Cashew Coast reached a milestone that reshaped our trajectory and set a new benchmark for cashew processing in Côte d’Ivoire and across Africa.

On this date, we achieved certification for the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety — one of the world’s most rigorous, internationally recognised food-safety standards and a programme approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

Why Our 2020 BRCGS Certification Was a Landmark for African Cashew Processing

This achievement was far more than a compliance exercise. It was a statement of who we are, what we stand for, and the future we intend to build.

A First for Côte d’Ivoire — and a Breakthrough for African Processing

Cashew Coast became the first cashew processor in Côte d’Ivoire to be BRCGS-certified across the entire processing flow:

from the reception of raw cashew nuts to the packaging of finished kernels.

This full-chain certification demonstrated that a locally owned and locally operated African processor can meet — and exceed — the world’s highest food-safety and quality standards. At a time when global buyers increasingly required GFSI-approved certifications, this positioned Cashew Coast at the forefront of trustworthy, reliable, world-class cashew supply.

A Collective Achievement Powered by 400 People

Reaching this standard required months of preparation, rigorous audits, and the strengthening of every aspect of our operations — hygiene, traceability, documentation, training, quality control, and process discipline.

But above all, it required people.

More than 400 employees across our operations committed themselves to this goal. Their dedication, professionalism, and belief in our mission are what made this certification possible. The result was not just a certificate, but the establishment of a culture of excellence that continues to define Cashew Coast today.

Strategic Impact at a Critical Moment

Gaining BRCGS certification in early 2020 proved especially significant. As global supply chains were entering a period of unprecedented scrutiny and uncertainty, our certification provided buyers with a rare combination:

a reliable African processor with globally benchmarked safety systems already in place.

It strengthened trust with clients, expanded market access, and gave us the credibility needed to serve international partners requiring the strongest guarantees on quality, safety, and traceability.

Why This Milestone Still Matters Today

The 2020 certification laid the foundation for everything we have built since:

• Traceability from farm to fork, fully aligned with our digital systems and our commitment to transparent sourcing.
• A reliable supply of high-quality cashew kernels, processed under strict controls that meet international retail standards.
• A resilient, skilled workforce, whose dedication continues to raise the standard of cashew processing in West Africa.
• A platform for sustainable, long-term growth, supporting our ambition to strengthen the Ivorian cashew industry through innovation, scientific collaboration, and responsible processing.

For Cashew Coast, the BRCGS certification was not just a badge — it was a turning point. It marked our arrival on the global stage and demonstrated that Côte d’Ivoire can produce cashew kernels that meet the most demanding expectations of the world’s retailers and consumers.

And it reminded us of a simple truth:

when African processors invest in people, knowledge, and world-class systems, they can compete with anyone, anywhere.