India has a long-standing association with cashew nuts, not only as a producer but also as one of the largest consumers globally. Introduced by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, cashew cultivation has flourished in India, especially in the coastal regions of Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Known for its quality, Indian cashew is cherished for its unique taste, texture, and nutritional value.

• Production and Imports

While India produces a substantial quantity of raw cashew nuts, with an average annual production of about 700,000 metric tons, domestic demand far exceeds the supply. This gap has led to India becoming the world’s largest importer of raw cashew nuts, sourcing from countries like Ivory Coast, Vietnam, and Tanzania. Each year, India imports over 800,000 metric tons of raw cashews, which are then processed domestically to meet the high demand for both domestic consumption and export.

• Cashew Demand and Consumption in India

Cashews hold a special place in Indian households, festivals, and culinary traditions. The Indian market’s demand for cashews is driven by their use in sweets, snacks, and premium foods, as well as their nutritional appeal. Annual per capita consumption of cashews is growing steadily, with the country consuming around 300,000 to 350,000 metric tons of processed cashews annually. Cashews are widely enjoyed during festive seasons, used as garnishes in desserts, and serve as an essential ingredient in traditional Indian dishes.

The consistent demand and preference for high-quality cashews make India a major player in the global cashew market, supporting a thriving industry of producers, importers, and processors who continue to meet the needs of consumers both domestically and internationally.

India is renowned for its high-quality shade-grown coffee, an eco-friendly method where coffee is cultivated under natural canopies, preserving biodiversity. The two major varieties grown here are Arabica and Robusta, with each producing distinctive flavors, highly sought after worldwide. Indian coffee’s unique taste profile—mellow, less acidic, and often carrying subtle spice notes—sets it apart and makes it highly prized by coffee connoisseurs.