Which countries do you source Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) from?

We source RCN from a comprehensive global network including East Africa (Tanzania, Mozambique), Indonesia, and a robust West African portfolio covering Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.

Do you supply RCN to India and Vietnam?

Yes, we are a leading importer and supplier specializing in the strategic supply chain corridor that connects premium African and Indonesian origins to the major processing hubs of India and Vietnam.

What is the typical harvest season for West African cashews?

The West African harvest generally begins in January (Nigeria/Burkina Faso) and extends through October (Guinea-Bissau/Senegal), with peak arrivals and high-volume trade occurring between March and June.

When is the best time to source East African Raw Cashew Nuts?

East African origins like Tanzania and Mozambique typically harvest from September through February, providing a vital counter-seasonal supply that ensures year-round availability for our processing partners.

How do you ensure the quality of RCN at the farm-gate?

Our network maintains a dedicated ground presence at key origins to conduct rigorous quality checks, ensuring the nuts meet international moisture, KOR, and nut-count standards before shipment.

What is KOR (Kernel Outturn Ratio) in the cashew trade?

KOR is the measure of the weight of usable kernels obtained after de-shelling 80kg of raw cashew nuts. We provide certified KOR reports for all our shipments to guarantee yield transparency.

How do you measure Nut Count?

Nut count refers to the number of raw cashew nuts per kilogram. A lower nut count indicates larger nuts, which are generally preferred by premium processors for higher-grade kernel recovery.

What is the maximum moisture content allowed for export?

We strictly ensure our RCN is dried to a moisture level of 8% to 10%. This is critical to prevent spoilage and maintain the integrity of the nut during long-duration sea voyages.

How are the raw cashew nuts packaged for shipment?

RCN is typically packed in high-quality 80kg jute bags. Jute is used because it is a natural, breathable fiber that allows for proper aeration, preventing 'sweating' and mold growth during transit.

Do you provide third-party quality inspections?

Yes, we work with reputable international agencies like RBS for India and Vinocontrol for Vietnam to provide independent, authoritative quality and weight certifications for our shipments.

What are your typical lead times for shipment?

Lead times vary depending on the specific origin and vessel availability, but we typically aim for shipment within 14–21 days of contract finalization.

What payment terms do you accept for RCN trade?

We generally work with standard international trade instruments to ensure security for all parties, including Letters of Credit (L/C) and Documents against Payment (D/P).

Do you manage the end-to-end logistics from Africa to Asia?

Yes, our network handles the entire supply chain, including origin collection, inland logistics, port handling, and sea freight directly to major ports in India or Vietnam.

Which ports in India do you supply to?

We frequently supply to major processing hubs via key Indian ports, including Tuticorin, Vizag, Mangalore, and Mundra.

Which ports in Vietnam do you ship to?

We primarily ship to Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and other major industrial ports that serve the massive Vietnamese cashew processing infrastructure.

Why are cashew prices volatile?

Prices are influenced by crop size forecasts, weather patterns in West Africa, global demand fluctuations in the snack industry, and shifts in international logistics costs.

Can I get a live harvest update for Nigeria or Benin?

Yes, we provide our partners with real-time 'Current Harvest' updates and market intelligence reports directly through the rawcashewnuts.com portal.

What is the 'New Crop' advantage?

New crop RCN offers the highest KOR and the freshest kernels. Securing stock during the early harvest window is essential for processors who demand premium quality.

How does Indonesian cashew quality compare to African origins?

Indonesian RCN is highly regarded for its excellent KOR and distinct flavor profile, often serving as a premium alternative during the African off-season.

How can I contact Ghosh Products & Resources P Ltd for a quote?

You can reach us via our headquarters in Trivandrum (Kerala, India) or by using the inquiry form on rawcashewnuts.com for a tailored price quotation based on current market rates.

Why is Benin RCN considered Premium compared to other West African origins?

Benin RCN is considered premium due to its highly organized agricultural sector and strict export regulations. The nuts are consistently clean with low foreign matter and high KOR (50-52 lbs), especially from the Parakou and Kandi regions.

What is the typical KOR and Nut Count for Benin Cashews?

Standard Benin export quality ranges between 48 to 50 lbs KOR, with premium lots reaching 51+ lbs. The nut count typically falls between 180 and 200 nuts per kg, ideal for whole-kernel processing.

When does the Benin cashew harvest and export season begin?

The harvest begins in late February and ends in June. The peak export season from the Port of Cotonou runs from March through August each year.

What are the primary cashew-producing regions in Benin?

The major production zones are in the central and northern regions, specifically Parakou (Borgou), Kandi (Alibori), Djougou (Donga), and Savè (Collines).

What is the transit time from the Port of Cotonou to India or Vietnam?

Transit times from the Port of Cotonou to major processing hubs like Mundra or Ho Chi Minh City generally range from 28 to 35 days.

Premium Benin Raw Cashew Nuts RCN in 80kg jute bags ready for export from Parakou warehouse.

Benin Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN): Premium West African Quality

Origin Profile & Market Overview

Benin is globally recognized for producing some of the highest-quality Raw Cashew Nuts in the West African sub-region. With a focus on sustainable agricultural practices and strict export regulations, Benin RCN is a preferred choice for processors in India and Vietnam who prioritize high Kernel Out-turn Ratio (KOR) and low moisture content.

The Benin cashew sector is highly organized, with the government implementing “Cashew Windows” for export to ensure quality control and standardized pricing across the country.

Over the past decade, Benin has expanded its cashew cultivation significantly, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Favorable agro-climatic conditions, government support programs, and growing global demand have helped Benin become a reliable supplier of commercial-grade raw cashew nuts.

Today, Benin is considered a strategic sourcing origin for international cashew traders, processors, and commodity buyers seeking stable quality and competitive pricing from West Africa.

Technical Specifications: Benin RCN Standards

Parameter	Standard Export Quality	Premium Grade (Parakou/Kandi)
KOR (Out-turn Ratio)	47 – 49 lbs / 80kg	50 – 52 lbs / 80kg
Nut Count	185 – 205 nuts/kg	180 – 190 nuts/kg
Moisture Content	Max 10%	8% – 9% (Sun-Dried)

Major Cashew Producing Regions in Benin

Cashew cultivation in Benin is concentrated in the northern and central agricultural belt, where soil and climate conditions favor cashew tree growth.

Key production regions include:

Parakou
Djougou
Natitingou
Kandi
Bembèrèkè
Tchaourou
Nikki

These regions collectively form the core cashew production zone of Benin.

Harvest & Export Logistics

Harvest Season: Late February to June.
Peak Shipping Window: March to August.
Main Port of Export: Port of Cotonou. It is one of the most efficient ports in West Africa, ensuring faster vessel turnarounds and reliable transit times to Asian processing hubs.

Soil & Agro-Climatic Conditions

Benin’s cashew farms benefit from tropical climatic conditions that are ideal for cashew cultivation.

Soil Characteristics

Sandy loam soils
Well-drained farmland
Low waterlogging risk
Moderate organic matter levels

Climate Conditions

Tropical savanna climate
Distinct dry season supporting flowering
Moderate rainfall during growth period
Adequate sunlight during nut development

These conditions contribute to stable nut formation and commercial-grade kernel recovery rates.

Harvest Calendar

The cashew harvest season in Benin follows the general West African crop cycle.

Stage	Period
Flowering	November – January
Early Harvest	February
Peak Harvest	March – April
Late Harvest	May

Export shipments are most active during the March – June trading window.

Export Ports & Logistics

Raw cashew nuts from Benin are primarily exported through the following port:

Port of Cotonou

The Port of Cotonou is the main export gateway for Benin’s agricultural commodities and serves as a major hub for raw cashew nut exports to international markets.

Typical export logistics:

Packing: 80 kg jute bags
Container loading: 18 – 19 MT per 20-ft container
Main destinations: India and Vietnam

Role of Benin in the Global Cashew Supply Chain

Benin plays an important role in the West African cashew supply network.

Typical trade routes include:

West Africa → India Cashew Processing Industry
West Africa → Vietnam Cashew Processing Industry
West Africa → Southeast Asian Commodity Traders

These trade flows supply large volumes of raw nuts to the global cashew kernel processing industry.

Quality Factors Affecting Benin RCN

The commercial quality of Benin raw cashew nuts depends on several factors including:

Weather conditions during harvest
Post-harvest drying practices
Storage and handling conditions
Presence of immature nuts or foreign matter
Transportation and export logistics

Proper post-harvest handling ensures better kernel yield and improved processing efficiency.

Market Outlook for Benin Cashew Sector

The cashew industry in Benin continues to grow due to:

increasing cashew plantation areas
stronger export demand
improved farmer training programs
regional development of the West African cashew sector

Although some domestic processing capacity is developing, the majority of production continues to be exported as raw cashew nuts.

Why Buyers Source Raw Cashew Nuts from Benin

International cashew buyers source Benin RCN because of:

reliable seasonal availability
balanced nut size ranges
competitive pricing
strong export infrastructure
strategic location within West Africa’s cashew belt

These factors make Benin a key sourcing origin for global cashew processors and commodity traders.

Benin Raw Cashew Nuts – Origin Analysis & Supply Intelligence