India's Cashew Processing Renaissance Powers Export Growth
India's cashew industry is experiencing a significant transformation in 2026, with domestic processing capacity reaching 1.9 million MT of raw cashew nuts — reclaiming its position as one of the world's top three cashew processors alongside Vietnam and Brazil. Export volumes of finished cashew kernels reached 125,000 MT in FY2025-26, valued at approximately $980 million, a 12% increase over the prior year. The W320 grade (320 kernels per pound) remains the global benchmark for commercial cashew trade, accounting for over 55% of India's total cashew kernel exports by volume. Maharashtra's Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts, along with Kerala's Kollam belt, house the country's most advanced processing facilities. FOB pricing for Indian W320 is currently $5.80–$6.40/lb, positioning competitively against Vietnamese origins.
W320 vs W240: Grade Specifications and Market Positioning
W320 (Whole 320s) is the global volume leader, used extensively in snack manufacturing, bakery, confectionery, and food service applications where uniform kernel size at an accessible price point is paramount. Each kernel measures approximately 23–25 mm in length, with a maximum moisture content of 5% and intact whole kernel percentage above 85%. W240 (Whole 240s) is the premium snack-grade kernel at 240 count per pound, commanding a $0.80–$1.20/lb premium over W320 and favored for retail packaging and gift boxes. The scorched whole (SW) grades offer 15–20% cost savings with slightly darker appearance from the shelling process. Radiance Overseas supplies both white whole and scorched whole grades with HACCP-certified processing.
Request vacuum-packed 25 lb cartons with CO2 flushing for W320 shipments to maximize shelf life to 12+ months. Always verify the free fatty acid (FFA) level at pre-shipment — values below 0.5% indicate fresh processing and proper storage, critical for avoiding rancidity claims.
India vs Vietnam: The Competitive Landscape Shifts in 2026
Vietnam has dominated global cashew processing since 2015, but rising minimum wages (up 22% since 2023) and increasing raw material costs from African suppliers are eroding its price advantage. India's Cashew Export Promotion Council (CEPCI) reports that the landed-cost gap between Indian and Vietnamese W320 has narrowed to just $0.15–$0.25/lb in key US and European markets. Indian processors benefit from shorter supply chains when sourcing West African raw cashew nuts, with Goa and Mangalore ports offering 10–14 day transit times from Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The Indian government's PLI scheme has catalyzed $200 million in new processing infrastructure investments since 2024. Buyers seeking to diversify their cashew supply chain beyond Vietnam should evaluate Indian processors now.