When Portuguese colonists discovered cashew nuts for the first time, they named it ‘Caju’ before they started trading it with other colonists. This is how cashew nuts came to get its name, from the word ‘Caju’.
Since there was only manual processing then, the Portuguese traded raw cashew nuts. Other countries started experimenting with growing cashews and within no time, cashew farming started spreading.
It was discovered that the cashew tree grew and thrived in countries with warm climates and sandy soil, hence, countries in the tropical quickly embraced the farming of cashew nuts. Today, cashews are grown in many countries with favorable climate and soil conditions.
Cashew Nuts New Zealand
Cashew nuts are the seeds of the cashew tree that grows from the pedicels of its flowers. The cashew apple which when harvested and processed is used to make jams, is where the cashew fruit is attached.
This makes cashew nuts different from other nuts because the nut, which is the seed, grows outside the fruit. Paired with its nutritional benefits, this unique feature makes cashews more special and loved than other nuts.
Growing cashew nuts from seeds take up to five years and requires a proper environment for them to thrive and yield fruits.
New Zealand is among the leading countries in cashew imports since they do not have sandy soils with moderate pH that can sustain healthy growth of cashews and large volume production.
Cashews New Zealand
Importing cashew nuts has played a big role in economic growth and development as the trade continues to take shape and bring in more revenue. Many traders have taken up the cashew business and are doing well in the market.
In 2022, New Zealand shipped over 2,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. Although this was a slight decrease from the previous year, it was another high-record value. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.
Over the last decade, cashew imports in New Zealand have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2018 to 2019 at 20%. The peak volume was in the year 2021 at 3,179 tonnes.
Here is the import volume of cashew nuts in New Zealand between 2013 and 2022.
Importing Cashew Nuts into New Zealand
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import cashews into New Zealand.
Cashew Supplying Countries to the New Zealand
The dominant country in New Zealand’s cashew import is Vietnam. Although New Zealand imports its cashew nuts from other leading producers of cashews, its highest percentage volume comes from Vietnam. This is because Vietnam is well known for its quality cashews with good prices that are supplied in plenty.
Other key cashew-supplying countries in New Zealand are:
- India
- Brazil
- Australia
- China
- Sri Lanka
It imports cashews in smaller volumes from countries like:
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Indonesia
The main mode of transporting cashew nuts into New Zealand is sea transport. When it comes to transporting cashew nuts, Zealand considers a more cost-effective method that will also enable large volumes of cashews to be transported at ago. However, other modes like road and air transport are also used both locally and internationally.
How to Know Reliable Cashew Suppliers in New Zealand
Cashew importers in New Zealand must follow these procedures for their shipment to be released by the customs office:
An importer must submit an import entry clearance or Electronic Cargo Information (ECI) form
All importers must have the required documents, including:
- Customs declaration
- Bill of lading
- Certificates of origin
- Packing lists
- Commercial invoices
- Commercial and industrial license
The shipment must be subjected to screenings
Payment of import duties, goods, and services tax before the shipment is released.
Here is a top cashew exporter in Kenya
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan-based company that engages in the sourcing, processing, and exporting of cashew nuts and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of raw cashew nuts and shelled cashews. We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.