Commodities

Cashew kernels are obtained through factory processing (roasting/ steaming, shelling and peeling) cashewnuts (Anacardium Occidentale L).

The Cashewnut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a by-product obtained while processing cashewnuts.

Specifications
Standard specifications for Indian cashew kernels for export have been laid down by the Government of India under the Export (Quality Control And Inspection) Act 1963.

Grades
Cashew Kernels are graded into white/scorched wholes,pieces,splits,butts etc.. depending on the shape,size & colour of the kernel.The Govt.of India  Act prescribes 33 different grades of cashew kernels. Only 26 grades are commercially available and exported. They are:

W - 180, is the ' King of Cashew ' - They are larger in size and very expensive.

W - 210, are popularly known as ' Jumbo ' nuts.

W - 240, it is an attractive grade which is reasonably priced.

W - 320, are the most popular among cashew kernels and highest in terms of availability, worldwide.

W - 450, are the smallest and cheapest white whole kernels and hence the favorite among low priced whole grades.

Scorched wholes are another grade of cashew kernels, which have a slight brown colour due to longer roasting. They have all the other characteristics of white kernels and have the same nutritional qualities.

Butts, splits and pieces are   priced lower  and are ideal for cooking, preparation of sweets and savoury snacks.

Quality Control and Pre-shipment Inspection

Exports of cashew kernels from India are normally subject to voluntary quality control and pre-shipment inspection. Inspection of cashews is being conducted under the consignment-wise inspection. It is ensured that the product is processed and packed as per the standards prescribed, by drawing samples from the finished product. Export of roasted and salted cashew kernels are also normally subjected to voluntary quality control.

Packing and Standard Weight

Cashew kernels in bulk are packed in four gallon prime tins with a net weight of 11.34 Kg (Or 25 lbs) in each tin. The filled tins are then vacuumised and filled with carbon-di-oxide gas and sealed. Two such tins of the same grade are packed in a carton for export. The net weight of each carton is thus 22.68 Kg. (50 lbs.). Some manufacturers also pack in tins of 10kg net to suit the requirements of buyers in certain markets. Recently,some exporters have started using flexible packs instead of tins as many buyers opt for new generation flexible packs.

Shipping Specifications

The overall dimensions of a carton are about:

Cashew shipments from India are mainly in 2Oft. containers which carry about 650-700 cartons. Requests for less than a container load are also accepted by exporters in India. Freight is charged per Cubic Metre on volume basis. Freight for full container load is fixed and the same is cheaper than the freight for part container load (LCL).

Contract Terms

1 . Contracts are normally made on FOB or C&F basis.

2. Pricing in international trade in cashew is in US Dollars per lb. Current and forward price quotations in US $ and other currencies are available on request directly from member exporters of the Council.

3. Business in cashew is done on an offer and acceptance basis between buyers and sellers by telephone, telex or cable, since the prices are subject to frequent fluctuations.

4. The cost of insurance is borne by the buyer.

5. At the time of contract, the month of shipment, grade, price etc., are to be clearly indicated. Sometimes, exporters offer commodity for shipments upto six months in advance.

6. Export dealings are usually finalised on the basis of the opening of 100% irrevocable Letter of Credit by the buyer in favour of the shipper. The LC is opened immediately on execution of contract or one month prior to shipment.

Other Information

India is the largest producer and exporter of cashew kernels in the world. Over 65 per cent of the world export of cashew kernels is accounted for by India. Indian cashews are consumed in as many as 60 countries all over the world, the major markets being the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Germany Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Middle East countries. The Indian cashew kernel is well acclaimed for its good quality, taste and appearance.

Members of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, who are manufacturers and exporters of cashew kernels are the major sources for cashews from India. Indian cashews are available with prominent importers in USA, Canada, Japan, the Middle East, Singapore, Australia, U.K. and other EEC countries.  

There are regular shipping facilities from India to all ports of the world. Major shipments from India take place through Cochin port. Other ports are Tuticorin, Mangalore, Madras and Bombay.

Regular services of container ships are available from Indian ports on India-USA, India-UK/Continent, India-Australia, India-Japan, India-Middle East and India-Singapore routes.

EXPORT OF CASHEW KERNELS FROM INDIA DURING 2003-2004 TO 2005-2006

Countries 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 Qty (M.T) Value (Rs.Crs) Qty (M.T) Value (Rs.Crs) Qty (M.T) Value (Rs.Crs) U.S.A 48504 881.55 61546 1288.49 43149 958.33 Netherlands 12237 215.03 15693 345.67 18736 408.82 U.A.E 6239 102.42 6690 148.23 8274 184.41 U.K 5392 95.61 7108 158.34 6238 140.88 Japan 5522 101.95 5047 111.21 4685 110.20 France 2444 43.61 3329 66.49 3470 75.79 Saudi Arabia 2011 32.95 2998 61.55 2827 59.61 Spain 2198 41.11 2870 64.80 2648 61.09 Belgium 1769 33.88 2497 53.18 2378 54.48 Germany 1574 26.11 1966 42.39 1991 42.21 Russia 1413 22.09 2331 43.41 1990 38.77 Greece 830 15.57 1511 33.74 1859 42.61 Canada 1354 22.72 1540 31.39 1558 33.14 Italy 986 17.74 1119 23.72 1236 25.20 Australia 275 4.38 873 18.36 1114 25.29 Norway 890 15.90 1318 29.15 873 19.89 Kuwait 847 15.34 574 12.78 863 19.76 Hong Kong 477 10.25 719 17.71 788 17.28 Israel 508 9.71 964 23.26 752 17.40 Singapore 513 9.24 510 11.60 694 13.61 Lebanon 561 11.28 655 14.95 470 9.61 Bahrain 439 6.82 362 7.08 393 7.80 Korea Rep. 311 5.83 213 5.22 255 5.85 New Zealand 332 5.58 201 4.46 204 4.62 Malaysia 40 0.69 62 1.39 191 4.05 Others 3162 57.13 3973 90.68 6505 134.17 Total 100828 1804.43 126667 2709.24 114143 2514.86

Source : Various Custom Houses, * : D.G.C.I & S, Calcutta