Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) is one of Nigeria’s top non-oil export commodities and a major foreign exchange earner. With strong global demand for healthy snacks, confectionery ingredients, and plant-based foods, cashew nut export offers huge commercial opportunities for Nigerian exporters.
What Is Cashew Nut and Why Is It Important?
Cashew nuts are edible seeds obtained from the cashew apple. They are highly valued for their rich taste, nutritional value, and versatility across food and industrial sectors.
Key Uses of Cashew Nuts
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Snack foods (roasted, salted, flavored)
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Bakery and confectionery products
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Dairy alternatives (cashew milk, cheese, butter)
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Cooking and culinary applications
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Health and wellness foods
Nutritional Benefits
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Rich in protein and healthy fats
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High in magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper
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Supports heart and bone health
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Suitable for vegan and plant-based diets
Why Export Cashew Nuts from Nigeria?
Nigeria’s Export Advantage
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Among the top cashew producers in Africa
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Favorable climate and large cultivation areas
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Competitive pricing and strong international acceptance
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Growing government support for non-oil exports
Nigeria is especially known for high-quality raw cashew nuts (RCN).
Major Cashew Producing States in Nigeria
Cashew nuts are cultivated widely across:
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Kogi State
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Oyo State
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Ogun State
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Kwara State
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Ondo State
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Osun State
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Enugu State
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Anambra State
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Benue State
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Edo State
4. Export Forms of Cashew Nuts
Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN)
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Most common export form
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Exported mainly to India and Vietnam for processing
Cashew Kernels
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Value-added product
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Exported as white whole kernels (W180, W210, W240, W320, W450)
Cashew By-Products
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Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)
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Cashew apple (processed into juice or ethanol)
Quality Standards for Cashew Export
Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN)
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Nut count: 180–220 nuts/kg
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Kernel outturn ratio (KOR): ≥ 48 lbs
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Moisture content: ≤ 8–10%
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Well-dried and mature nuts
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Free from mould, stones, and insect damage
Cashew Kernels
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Clean, uniform color
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Low broken percentage
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Free from rancidity
Packaging for Cashew Nut Export
Raw Cashew Nuts
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Jute bags (80kg)
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Polypropylene bags where required
Cashew Kernels
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Vacuum-sealed aluminum foil packs
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Tins or cartons (typically 10–25kg)
Export labels must include:
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Product name and grade
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Net weight
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Country of origin (Nigeria)
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Exporter details
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Batch/lot number
Export Documentation Required
To export cashew nuts from Nigeria:
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CAC Registration Certificate
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NEPC Exporter Certificate
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NXP Form
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Phytosanitary Certificate (NAQS)
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Certificate of Origin
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
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Fumigation Certificate
Optional certifications for premium markets:
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Organic certification
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HACCP / ISO 22000
Step-by-Step Cashew Export Process
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Register business with CAC and NEPC
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Source quality cashew nuts from farmers or aggregators
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Dry, sort, and grade nuts
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Conduct quality inspection and testing
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Package according to buyer requirements
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Process export documents
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Ship and track delivery
Major Global Markets for Cashew Nuts
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Asia: India, Vietnam, China
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Europe: Netherlands, Germany, UK, Spain
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North America: USA, Canada
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Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia
India and Vietnam dominate raw cashew imports for processing.
Challenges in Cashew Nut Export
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Price volatility in global markets
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Quality inconsistency at farm level
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Limited local processing capacity
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High competition from other producing countries
Tips for Successful Cashew Export
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Focus on high KOR nuts
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Invest in proper drying and storage
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Build long-term supply relationships
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Explore value addition through kernel processing
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Monitor global cashew price trends
Conclusion
Cashew nut export from Nigeria remains a high-volume and high-revenue non-oil export business. With proper quality control, compliance, and strategic market targeting, exporters can build profitable and sustainable operations.
