The beginning and spread of cashew nuts is an exciting story that has been told repeatedly. At first, cashews were just grown to fight soil erosion and desertification, but they have become one of the most economical commodities around the world.
Today, cashew nuts are produced in over 14 tropical countries in Africa. Considering its nutritional value and health benefits, cashew nut consumption has risen worldwide, with America and Europe being the leading consumers.
Cashew growing in South Africa has played an essential role in fighting poverty, a significant problem in many African countries. It has become a great source of income by providing employment and business opportunities.
Cashew Nuts South Africa
South Africa is one significant player and contributor to the cashew nut industry. As a country focused on agricultural innovation, it is no news that cashew nuts are one of its leading revenue makers.
The country produces cashew nuts locally and also imports cashews from other countries. South Africa has climatic and soil conditions that support the growth and production of cashew nuts.
However, despite the favorable conditions and promising growth of cashews in South Africa, there are many challenges that the country faces that hinder consistent and significant production of cashew nuts.
One major problem that South Africa faces when it comes to cashew growing is processing facilities. The lack of enough improved systems to process cashew nuts significantly hinders the cashew industry from reaching its full potential.
With these challenges and the rising demand for cashew nuts, South Africa imports cashews to supplement their product to meet global consumer demand.
Cashew import holds great value for retailers and businesses because of the opening markets locally and internationally and the strong projection of the market growing from consumer demand.
Cashews South Africa
Cashew nuts are loved for their essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats that are good for the heart. They also make a healthy snack that South Africans have embraced and are now growing in demand.
In 2022, South Africa shipped over 3,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. This increase from the previous year marks another high-record value. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.
Over the last decade, cashew imports in South Africa have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2021 to 2022 at over 31%. The peak volume was in the year 2022 at 3,069 tonnes.
Here is the import volume of cashew nuts in South Africa between 2013 and 2022.
Importing Cashew Nuts into South Africa
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import cashews into South Africa.
Cashew Supplying Countries to the South Africa
The country dominating South Africa’s cashew import is Vietnam, one of the largest producers and exporters of high-quality cashew nuts.
Other key cashew-supplying countries in South Africa are:
- India
- Mozambique
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Nigeria
- Benin
It imports cashews in smaller volumes from countries like:
- Canada
- Austria
- Saudi Arabia
The primary mode of transport used to transport cashew nuts into South Africa is sea transport. Road transport is also used to transport cashews from neighboring countries and supply them to different destinations in the country.
How to Know Reliable Cashew Suppliers in South Africa
Cashew importers in South Africa must follow these procedures for their shipment to be released by the customs office:
- The importer must file a Single Administrative Document or declaration form covering the shipment
- The importer must have the following documents:
- A declaration of origin form
- Bill of lading
- Copies of commercial invoice
- Insurance certificate for sea freight
- Copies of packing lists
- Health certificates
Here is a top cashew exporter in Kenya
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan-based company sourcing, processing, and exporting 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.