India is the world’s largest importer, consumer, and processor of raw cashew nuts (RCN), playing a pivotal role in the global cashew supply chain. With its burgeoning demand, importing raw cashew nuts into India presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses. However, success hinges on understanding the sourcing landscape, regulatory requirements, and logistics involved. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for importers seeking to navigate India’s raw cashew nut market in 2024.
Why import raw cashew nuts into India?
Despite being a major producer of cashew nuts, India’s domestic production falls significantly short of meeting its ever-growing demand. Here are the key drivers for importing raw cashew nuts into India:
- Processing capacity: India has one of the largest cashew processing industries globally, relying on imported raw cashew nuts to meet processing needs.
- High demand: The rising popularity of cashews in Indian cuisine, snacks, and confectionery has made them a household staple.
- Export opportunities: Processed cashew kernels are re-exported to premium markets such as the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.
India’s reliance on raw cashew nut imports
India’s imports of raw cashew nuts have grown consistently over the years, with West Africa being the dominant supplier.
Key statistics:
- Volume growth: In 2022, India imported 1.38 million tonnes of raw cashew nuts, marking a 57% increase from 2021.
- Major suppliers: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Tanzania are leading exporters of raw cashew nuts to India.
Supply chain dynamics:
- Harvest seasons: The raw cashew nut harvest season in West Africa (February to June) aligns well with India’s demand cycles, ensuring a steady supply.
- Logistical hubs: Most raw cashew nuts enter India via major sea ports like Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Mangalore, Tuticorin or Mundra Port.
How to import raw cashew nuts into India: Step-by-step guide
- Obtain necessary permits and documentation
To import raw cashew nuts into India, ensure you have the following:- Phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, verifying pest-free and safe products.
- Additional documentation such as:
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Partner with reliable suppliers
Importing raw cashew nuts requires sourcing from trustworthy exporters. Key considerations include:- Kernel outturn ratio (KOR): Choose suppliers offering high-KOR nuts (48+), which maximize processing yields.
- Traceability: Work with exporters like Ahar, who source directly from farmers, ensuring transparency and ethical practices.
- Time your imports strategically
- Purchase during peak harvest seasons in West Africa to secure competitive pricing.
- Align imports with India’s festival and wedding seasons, when demand for cashews surges.
- Focus on quality control
Indian buyers prioritize raw cashew nuts with:- Low moisture content (<10%) for longer shelf life.
- Uniform nut sizes and low defect rates.
- Streamline logistics
Efficient logistics management is crucial for minimizing transit delays and costs:- Use established shipping routes via Tuticorin Port, Nhava Sheva Port or Mundra Port for shipments.
- Ensure proper packaging in jute or polypropylene bags to prevent damage during transit.
Ahar: Your trusted partner for raw cashew nuts
With a strong presence in West Africa, Ahar is a leading supplier of premium raw cashew nuts to Indian importers.
Why import from Ahar?
- Extensive sourcing network: We operate in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Senegal, sourcing directly from farmers for consistent quality.
- High-quality standards: Our raw cashew nuts feature high KORs, low moisture content, and uniform sizing, ensuring maximum processing yields.
- Comprehensive logistics support: From procurement to export documentation, Ahar handles every aspect of the supply chain.
- Competitive pricing: By cutting out intermediaries, we offer cost-effective solutions for Indian importers.
Market trends for raw cashew nuts in 2024
India’s raw cashew nut market is evolving, driven by increasing domestic consumption and global trade dynamics:
- Rising demand: With a growth rate of 7% annually, cashews are becoming a staple ingredient in snacks, sweets, and cuisines.
- Focus on quality: Importers are prioritizing high-KOR nuts to maximize processing efficiency.
- Sustainability: Ethical and sustainable sourcing practices are gaining prominence among Indian buyers.
Conclusion
Importing raw cashew nuts into India offers substantial opportunities for growth in 2024. By partnering with reliable suppliers like Ahar, adhering to regulatory requirements, and focusing on quality, importers can establish a successful foothold in the Indian market.
Ready to import premium raw cashew nuts to India?
Contact Ahar today for high-quality nuts sourced directly from West Africa, tailored to meet the needs of the Indian processing industry.
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