India Cashew Market Analysis

The India Cashew Market is expected to reach US$ 3.31 billion by 2033, up from US$ 2.28 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.25% from 2025 to 2033. The market is driven by rising health consciousness, increased domestic consumption, and expanding export opportunities. Domestically, more consumers are choosing nutrient-dense foods like cashews, while internationally, demand from key markets such as the United States, UAE, and Japan continues to support India’s leading position as a cashew exporter.

The report covers the India Cashew Market & Forecast by:

·        Cashew Production Market – By States (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Others)

·        Cashew Export Market – By Countries (UAE, Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Others)

·        Company Analysis (2025–2033)

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India Cashew Market Overview

India’s cashew industry contributes significantly to the national economy in both production and exports. The country produces over 0.8 million tonnes annually across 0.7 million hectares, with major growing states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The sector also plays a vital role in rural employment, with nearly 1.5 million people engaged in farming and processing.

Kerala’s Kollam region has long been a hub of cashew processing, helping India maintain its status as a global leader in value-added cashew products. The country exports to more than 60 markets worldwide, with top destinations including the UAE, US, Netherlands, and Japan.

Government initiatives such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) aim to boost productivity through high-yield cultivars and expanded cultivation areas.

Cashews are also gaining popularity in health-focused food innovation. For example, research published in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that nut consumption more than four times a week can reduce coronary heart disease risk by 37%. This trend is driving cashew use in snack bars, dairy alternatives, and functional foods.

In 2023, Sahyadri Farms launched India’s largest cashew processing facility in Nashik, capable of processing 100 metric tons per day, with integrated operations that also extract cashew shell oil, adding further economic value.

Growth Drivers for the India Cashew Market

Changing Consumption Patterns

Cashews are evolving from festive treats to everyday household staples. Expanding availability through supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms has made cashews more accessible. At the same time, their versatility in snacks, gravies, desserts, and plant-based products is increasing domestic demand. Ready-to-eat packs and flavored varieties are further boosting urban and semi-urban consumption.

Product Innovation

Brands are focusing on flavored (masala, chili, honey-coated), organic, and value-added products to meet evolving consumer preferences. Products like cashew milk, cashew butter, and snack bars are gaining traction, particularly among vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers. Innovation is enhancing both domestic sales and global competitiveness.

Health and Wellness Trends

Cashews are rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins (B6, E), and minerals (copper, magnesium, zinc), aligning with rising consumer demand for clean-label and nutrient-dense foods. Their growing role in plant-based diets is expanding demand for products like cashew-based milk and dairy-free cheeses, reinforcing their importance in both domestic and international health-focused markets.

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Challenges in the India Cashew Market

Outdated Processing Technology

Many small and medium cashew processors still use traditional, labor-intensive methods for shelling, peeling, and grading. This results in lower productivity, inconsistent quality, and higher labor costs. Competing with countries like Vietnam, where processing is largely automated, remains a challenge unless modernization and automation investments increase.

Labor Shortages and Skill Gaps

Cashew processing has long relied on manual labor. However, younger generations are avoiding these physically demanding and risky jobs, leading to labor shortages. Handling raw cashews often causes skin and respiratory irritation, further discouraging workers. The lack of skilled labor contributes to higher costs and reduced efficiency, threatening India’s competitiveness in the global market.

Regional Cashew Markets in India

Maharashtra

Maharashtra accounts for one-fourth of India’s cashew production, with strong cultivation in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur. Despite its production capacity, Maharashtra is also India’s largest importer of raw cashews due to pest issues, climate impacts, and heavy processing demand.

The Maharashtra Cashew Board is expanding cultivation by 12,000 hectares over three years, focusing on high-density and organic farming. Efforts are underway to cut raw cashew imports by 25% and to promote value-added products like cashew apple juice and cashew wine, targeting a 20% rise in farmer incomes.

Kerala

Once the global leader, Kerala’s cashew sector is struggling. With a production of only 83,000 MT vs. 600,000 MT in demand, the state has fallen to fifth in production and sixth in cultivation area.

Processing remains a key employer—95% of workers are women—but closures in Kollam are rising due to high raw material costs. The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) has begun sourcing cashews from Africa and investing in partial mechanization to stabilize production.

Global Context: Vietnam Cashew Market

Vietnam has become the world’s largest cashew exporter, processing more than 80% of the global supply. In 2024, the country exported 730,000 tons of cashews, earning US$ 4.37 billion. With advanced automation technologies, Vietnam maintains cost efficiency and scale, posing strong competition to India despite facing challenges like shipping cost increases and raw material constraints.

India Cashew Market Segmentation

Cashew Production Market (By States – 7 Viewpoints):

·        Maharashtra

·        Andhra Pradesh

·        Orissa

·        Karnataka

·        Tamil Nadu

·        Kerala

·        Others

Cashew Export Market (By Countries – 6 Viewpoints):

·        UAE

·        Netherlands

·        Japan

·        Saudi Arabia

·        Vietnam

·        Others

Company Analysis

All key players covered from four viewpoints:

·        Key Person

·        Overview

·        Revenue Analysis

·        Recent Developments & Strategies

Major Companies:

·        Wonderland Foods

·        Kalbavi Cashews

·        Britannia Industries Limited

·        Haldiram’s

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