Nuts
Raw Cashew Nuts
Raw In-Shell · Mtwara & Lindi Origin · FOB Dar es Salaam · 24-Hour RFQ Response
Raw in-shell cashew nuts from southern Tanzania, TMX auction-sourced and graded on outturn ratio, moisture and nut count for processors and trading houses.
Incoterm
FOB Dar es Salaam
Pricing confirmed by Proforma Invoice within 24 hours of your RFQ
Request a Quote
Product Overview
Raw cashew nuts are sourced primarily from southern Tanzania, particularly the Mtwara and Lindi regions, which produce the majority of the national crop. Tanzania ranks among the top cashew producers in Africa and globally, and cashew is one of the country's flagship export cash crops.
Raw nuts are evaluated primarily on outturn ratio — the expected kernel yield per bag once shelled — alongside moisture content, nut count, and defect rate (black-spotted, moldy, insect-damaged, rancid). Since October 2024, an increasing share of Tanzania's raw cashew crop moves through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), a digital auction system giving buyers transparent price discovery and quality/quantity assurance at the point of sale.
Primary buyers for Tanzanian raw cashew nuts are cashew processors and commodity trading houses — particularly those looking to diversify raw material sourcing beyond concentrated West African or Southeast Asian origins. Nexus exports FOB Dar es Salaam with Certificate of Origin and full export documentation; typical lead time is 14 days from confirmed RFQ.
Technical Specifications
| Product | Raw in-shell cashew nuts (RCN) |
|---|---|
| Outturn Ratio | Typically 48-52 lbs KOR |
| Moisture | Max 10% |
| Nut Count | Graded per kg |
| Defects | Low black-spot / mould / insect damage |
| Origin | Mtwara & Lindi (southern Tanzania) |
| Packaging | 80kg jute bags |
Raw In-Shell
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Growing Regions | Mtwara (dominant), Lindi |
| Moisture | Max 8% |
| Outturn (KOR) | 47-53 lbs per 80kg bag |
| Nut Count | 170-220 nuts per kg |
| Foreign Matter | Max 1% |
Shelled Kernels
| Grade | Kernels per lb | Description |
|---|---|---|
| W180 | 140-180 | Largest, premium |
| W210 | ~180-210 | Premium large |
| W240 | 220-240 | Premium large |
| W320 | 300-320 | Most widely traded grade |
| W450 | ~450 | Small |
| SW series | Same size bands | Scorched (discoloured) |
Origin
Where Our Raw Cashew Nuts Is Grown
Explore the verified Tanzanian growing regions on the map, then review what makes each origin distinct.
Click a marker to see the region profile.
Mtwara (dominant)
The heart of the southern cashew belt, producing the majority of the national crop.
Lindi
Neighbouring southern region and the second major raw cashew growing area.
Sensory & Quality Characteristics
Tanzanian cashew kernels are prized for their creamy-white colour, buttery flavour, and firm, whole form. Quality is assessed on colour, wholeness, and the absence of scorching or defects.
Raw in-shell nuts are evaluated primarily on outturn ratio (KOR) — the expected kernel yield per bag once shelled — alongside moisture, nut count, and defect rate.
From Farm to Export
Raw cashew nuts are harvested, separated from the cashew apple, sun-dried, and graded on outturn ratio and moisture. Since October 2024, an increasing share of the crop moves through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) digital auction for transparent price discovery and quality assurance.
Shelled kernels are steam-conditioned, shelled, peeled, and grade-sorted, then vacuum-sealed or nitrogen/CO2 gas-flushed before hermetic packing to prevent oxidative rancidity through the export chain.
Value
Why Source Raw Cashew Nuts from Tanzania?
Leading Producer
Tanzania is one of the world's leading cashew producers, ranking second in Africa and sixth globally.
Transparent Sourcing
An increasing share of the crop moves through the TMX auction, giving buyers verifiable price discovery and quality assurance.
Value-Added Kernels
Shelled kernels (W180–W450) are supplied directly to food manufacturers, shortening the supply chain.
Supply Diversification
A reliable alternative to concentrated West African and Southeast Asian raw material origins.
Quality Assurance
Certifications, Standards & Testing
How quality is graded, controlled, and independently verified before every shipment.
Certifications & Standards
Regulatory body: Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT)
Raw cashew production and export are regulated by the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania. Kernels are graded on the international W-grade system and to national standards.
Organic and food-safety scheme certifications can be discussed at RFQ stage.
Traceability
Each shipment is accompanied by documentation that traces the product back to its origin.
Provided: Certificate of Origin, phytosanitary certificate, and quality certificates.
Benefit: A transparent supply chain and verifiable trust with buyers.
Detailed Quality Standards
| Grade | Specification | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Raw (RCN) | Outturn 47-53 lbs KOR, moisture max 8% | TZS 739:2018(E) |
| W320 (Kernel) | 300-320 kernels/lb | TZS 739:2018(E) |
| W240 (Kernel) | 220-240 kernels/lb | TZS 739:2018(E) |
Testing & Inspection Process
- Pre-shipment inspection: by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Cotecna.
- What is tested: Quality, quantity, weight, moisture, defects, and packaging.
- When: Before loading at the port of shipment.
- Who pays: Typically the seller or buyer (negotiable).
| Company | Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SGS | Inspection, testing, certification | Quoted per shipment |
| Bureau Veritas | Inspection, testing, certification | Quoted per shipment |
| Cotecna | Inspection, testing, certification | Quoted per shipment |
Aflatoxin Testing
- Why it matters: Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi and are strictly regulated in international food trade.
- Testing method: ELISA or HPLC.
- Limit: Max 10 ppb total aflatoxins (TBS standard).
- Frequency: Tested on every shipment for susceptible commodities such as cashew, maize, and spices.
Logistics
Export Logistics & Shipping
Everything you need to plan the supply chain — from Incoterms to documentation and storage.
Shipping Methods Explained
| Method | Description | Cost | Buyer Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB | Free On Board — seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, onto the vessel at the port of shipment. | Lower | Buyer arranges and pays for ocean freight, insurance, and import duties. |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance, Freight — seller covers cost, insurance, and freight to the destination port. | Higher | Seller arranges freight and insurance. Buyer handles import duties and clearance. |
| CFR | Cost and Freight — seller covers cost and freight to the destination port. | Medium | Buyer arranges insurance. Seller handles freight. |
Estimated Shipping Timeline
- 01
Contract Signing
Day 0
- 02
Sourcing & Verification
Days 1–3
- 03
Loading & Documentation
Days 4–7
- 04
Departure (FOB)
Days 8–14
- 05
Transit
Days 15–35 (destination-dependent)
- 06
Arrival & Customs
Days 36–40
Container Types
20ft Container
~18,000 kg · Smaller shipments, trial orders
40ft Container
~26,000 kg · Larger volumes, cost-effective per kg
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Partial container · Smaller quantities (< 18,000 kg)
Port of Dar es Salaam
- Capacity: Annual throughput capacity of ~20 million tonnes
- Avg. dwell time: 7 days (2024 data)
- Features: Dedicated container terminal, bulk cargo handling, rail and road connections
Source: Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA)
Insurance
- Marine insurance can be arranged by the buyer or seller, depending on the agreed Incoterm.
- Covers: Loss or damage to cargo during transit, including theft, weather damage, and handling.
- Providers: Local and international providers (e.g. Jubilee Insurance, ZEP-RE).
- Typical cost: 0.5–2% of the shipment value.
Customs Documentation Checklist
- Proforma Invoice
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin (Tanzanian)
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate (if applicable)
- Quality / Weight Certificate
Handling & Storage
Temperature
15–20°C
Humidity
65–70%
Must be kept dry. Shelled kernels must be vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed to prevent rancidity.
Market Intelligence
Market Context & Availability
Verified market context to help you plan — availability, export markets, and how the origin compares.
Harvest & Export Availability
Peak availability by month (gold). The current month is outlined.
National Export Volume
528,263 tonnes (2024/25)
Key Export Markets
Vietnam, India, USA, EU
Competitor Origin Comparison
| Origin | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania(This origin) | Specialty reputation, distinct flavour profiles, high quality, traceability | Lower production volume, longer shipping routes |
| Brazil | High volume, consistent quality, large supply | Less differentiation, limited specialty reputation |
| Vietnam | Low cost, large scale (coffee, cashew) | Quality inconsistency, less traceability |
| India | Large market, strong demand for cashew and spices | Limited specialty exports, higher logistics costs |
Port Congestion
Dar es Salaam average dwell time is 7 days.
Lead Time
Typical FOB shipments take 14 days from contract signing to loading.
Global Demand
Demand for African commodities is rising, especially in specialty markets.
FAQ
Raw Cashew Nuts — Frequently Asked Questions
What grades are available?
Raw in-shell nuts are graded on outturn (47-53 lbs KOR). Shelled kernels are offered across the W-grade system — W180, W210, W240, W320 (most traded), and W450 — plus scorched (SW) grades.
Can I request a sample?
Yes. Representative samples can be provided on request; sample costs and shipping are agreed on a case-by-case basis.
What is the lead time?
Typical lead time is 14 days (raw) / 21 days (kernels) from confirmed RFQ, subject to harvest availability and order volume.
What documentation is provided?
Every shipment includes a full export documentation package: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate (where applicable), and Quality / Weight Certificate.
Is the product certified?
All consignments are graded to Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) specifications, with independent third-party pre-shipment inspection (e.g. SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Cotecna) available at buyer request. Additional scheme certifications can be discussed at RFQ stage.
Ready to Source Raw Cashew Nuts?
Submit your requirements and receive a Proforma Invoice within 24 hours.