World’s Top 10 Cashew Producing Regions
Contents
Introduction
Cashews are a highly popular type of nut, widely cultivated and consumed around the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. So, which regions are known for producing the best cashews? Here, we introduce the world’s top ten cashew-producing regions, including cashews from Côte d’Ivoire, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brazil, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, Benin, and Mozambique. Below, take a look at the global ranking of the top ten cashew-producing regions to learn more about these famous origins and related details.
World’s Top 10 Famous Cashew-Producing Regions
- Côte d’Ivoire Cashews
- India Cashews
- Cambodia Cashews
- Vietnam Cashews
- Brazil Cashews
- Nigeria Cashews
- Guinea-Bissau Cashews
- Tanzania Cashews
- Benin Cashews
- Mozambique Cashews
Which Origin Tastes Best? — An Overview
1. Côte d’Ivoire Cashews
Annual Production: 1.335 million tons(Ranked 1st in global production and exports)
Located in West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cashew producer, with the cashew industry being one of its key economic pillars. Initially introduced as a measure against desertification, cashews are now extensively cultivated in the central, northern, and northwestern regions. Over the past decade, Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew production has more than doubled, reaching 1.335 million tons in 2023 and accounting for approximately 24% of global output. The country also hosts the world’s largest cashew processing plant and is a leading exporter of raw cashews.
2. India Cashews
Annual Production: 765,000 tons(Ranked 2nd globally)
India is a major cashew cultivator and producer, renowned for its high-quality cashews. The country boasts vast cashew-growing areas, particularly in the southern regions, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal. With a long history of cashew cultivation and diverse varieties, India’s “Kashmir” cashews are especially famous for their large size, delicious taste, and nutritional value. India’s total cashew cultivation area spans 700,000 hectares, producing 765,000 tons in 2023.
3. Cambodia Cashews
Annual Production: 680,000 tons(Ranked 3rd globally)
Cambodia is a globally recognized cashew producer, currently cultivating 23 types of cashews. Major production areas include Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Ratanakiri, and Preah Vihear provinces, with total plantations exceeding 500,000 hectares. In 2021, Cambodia ranked first globally with 1.18 million tons of production; in 2022, it ranked second with 690,000 tons; and in 2023, it produced 680,000 tons, securing the third position. Despite high output, Cambodia’s cashew processing industry remains underdeveloped.
4. Vietnam Cashews
Annual Production: 400,000 tons
Vietnam has extensive cashew plantations, producing hundreds of thousands of tons annually, making it a leading industry in Vietnamese agriculture. As a key cashew producer in Asia and one of the world’s top suppliers, Vietnam has rapidly developed its cashew sector, turning it into a major export commodity. Cashew cultivation is concentrated in the southern tropical regions, where climatic conditions are optimal. In 2023, Vietnam’s cashew farming area reached 314,000 hectares, with an output of 400,000 tons. Most cashews in the Chinese market are imported from Vietnam.
5. Brazil Cashews
Annual Production: 117,000 tons(Origin of cashews)
Brazil is a primary cashew producer in South America and the origin of cashew trees, which are native to regions within 10 degrees south latitude in northern Brazil. With fertile soil and abundant sunlight, Brazil is a major global cashew production base, known for its plump, high-quality nuts processed through natural methods. The Americas, led by Brazil, produce approximately 151,400 tons of cashews annually.
6. Nigeria Cashews
Annual Production: 360,000 tons
Nigeria is a natural habitat for cashews and one of the world’s largest producers and suppliers. Cashews are grown in multiple states, including Yobe, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Katsina. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria is the fourth-largest producer in Africa and the sixth-largest globally, with 360,000 tons produced in 2023. Nigerian cashews are mainly exported to Vietnam and India, accounting for 12.17% of the country’s agricultural export value.
7. Guinea-Bissau Cashews
Annual Production: 270,000 tons
Guinea-Bissau relies heavily on cashews as a cash crop. In 2022, cashew plantations covered over 330,000 hectares, and production reached 270,000 tons in 2023, making it the eighth-largest global and fifth-largest African producer. Cashew cultivation is concentrated in the northern (54.59%) and eastern (28.53%) regions, with the south contributing 16.88%. However, production fluctuations occur due to rainfall, road infrastructure, and transportation challenges.
8. Tanzania Cashews
Annual Production: 260,000 tons
Tanzania, an East African nation, is famous for its high-quality cashews. Cultivation is widespread, primarily in the southern regions, including Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma, Pwani, and Tanga. With a total planting area of 695,683 hectares, Tanzania produced 260,000 tons in 2023, ranking among the world’s top ten producers. The country’s cashew output is growing rapidly, with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute projecting potential annual production of 1 million tons.
9. Benin Cashews
Annual Production: 250,000 tons
Benin is a significant cashew producer in Africa, known for its distinctive tropical nuts. This West African country borders Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Cashew cultivation, dating back to the early 20th century, is now a vital part of Benin’s agriculture, with production reaching 250,000 tons in 2023.
10. Mozambique Cashews
Annual Production: 90,000 tons
Mozambique, located in Southeast Africa, has a long history of cashew cultivation and is renowned as the “Home of Cashews.” Its cashews are premium-quality—plump, crispy, and flavorful. In 1960, Mozambique established Africa’s first cashew processing plant and once led global production. By 2023, cashews remained a key economic pillar, with output of 90,000 tons and significant exports worldwide.