Cashew nuts are ranked among the most popular nuts which are consumed in Spain. They are highly nutritious and their health benefits are numerous. Some of these benefits include: improve heart health, regulation of skin-related problems, boost immune system and improve hormone functions.
Cashew nuts are mainly consumed in households within cities due to a higher urban population. Hotels, confectionery industries and bakeries are also major consumers of cashews.
Cashew Nuts Spain
Spain has a Mediterranean climate which is characterized by hot, dry summer and mild, rainy winters. This climate is not suitable for planting cashew nuts since they thrive in tropical and subtropical climate. Additionally, they are adapted to hot lowland areas with pronounced dry season. This has led to the country depending majorly on cashew nut imports.
Consumption of cashew nuts in Spain has increased due to the rise in demand for healthier snacking options and vegetable sources for protein. They are used in food preparations, as snacks and also as ingredients in snacks and foods such as nut spreads, nut bars and breakfast cereals.
Cashews Spain
In 2022, the country shipped in over 12,500 tonnes of cashew nuts. This is an increase from the previous year where the country imported about 11,000 tonnes of cashews. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.
Cashew imports in Spain have enjoyed a steady growth over the last decade. The highest volume was recorded in 2022 where the country shipped in over 12,500 tonnes of cashew nuts. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2016 to 2017 with an increase of over 30%.
Here is the import volume of cashew nuts between 2013 and 2022
Importing Cashew Nuts into Spain
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import cashews into Spain.
Cashew Supplying Countries to Spain
Vietnam is the major supplier of cashews to Spain. It is also the largest producer of cashews in the world.
Other major suppliers of cashews to Spain include:
- India
- Germany
- Netherlands
- France
- Cote d’Ivoire
It also imports cashews in small volumes from countries like:
- Brazil
- Italy
- Nigeria
Spain brings cashews from abroad through one of its busiest airports. Cashews get into the country as air freight through Madrid Barajas Airport. The airport has a modern container terminal.
The other way cashews enter Spain is through one of its main commercial sea ports. Cashews get into the country as sea freight through the Port of Algeciras. The sea port has a modern container terminal.
Requirements for Cashew Nut Imports
All imports to the European Union must be declared to custom authorities using the Single Administrative document (SAD). It may be presented by using an approved computerized system linked to customs office or lodging it with the designated customs office.
Information which is declared includes:
- Data about the country of origin, country of export and destination.
- Commercial and financial information
- Identifying the data of the goods
- Identifying the parties involved in the operation of importation which includes importer, exporter, transporter, representative, etc.
Lists of documents that are associated with the SAD include:
- Import licenses
- Document of origin
- Transport document
- Commercial invoice
- Insurance documents
- Packing lists
- Sanitary certificate
All importers must ensure that the cashew nuts meet all the stipulated heath protocols which are declared in the European Union. They must also meet the contaminant and toxin levels to ensure that they are safe for human consumption. Each importer is also held accountable for the safety of cashews and in case of lack of any specified documentation.
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.