Workers process cashew for export. Cashew exports rose significantly since August and especially in the last quarter of 2023, and the industry expects to see this continue in 2024. — Photo courtesy of Vinacas

HCM CITY — Việt Nam’s cashew industry eyes export growth despite global headwinds, according to insiders.

According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the country exported 641,000 tonnes of cashew kernels for US$3.63 billion last year, year-on-year increases of 23 per cent and 17 per cent.

The US was the largest market, followed by China and Europe.

Notably, China has increased purchases in recent months, in certain months even surpassing the US as the largest importer.

Thái Nguyễn Huệ Chí, an expert at the Vietnam Cashew Association, said in the past Chinese consumers often used other nuts such as almond and walnut but have consumed more cashew due to its lower prices.

Vietnamese cashew is nutritious, delicious and nutty, and so has become popular and is increasingly used as a cooking ingredient in the Chinese market, he said.

Last year shipments to key markets like Germany, the UK, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia saw a significant uplift, according to the association.

Exports to the UAE surged by 46.6 per cent, while Saudi Arabia witnessed a 40.1 per cent increase.

Industry insiders anticipate cashew inventories in major consumer markets like the US and EU to dwindle after the festive holidays, sparking a rise in import demand in the coming months.

However, the industry faced a wake-up call recently with quality concerns raised by two European and US associations.

In response, the industry has doubled down on quality control, food safety and hygiene measures to safeguard the reputation of the Vietnamese cashew brand.

Phạm Văn Công, the association’s chairman, said maintaining the quality of exports is a vital factor for cashew producers and exporters and the industry itself amid increasing global competition.

Việt Nam has accounted for a whopping 80 per cent of global exports for 16 years now, the association said.

The country also has the world's most advanced cashew processing equipment and technologies, it added.

The first half of 2023 was a difficult period due to geopolitical crises, monetary tightening by central banks globally, inflation, lower demand in key markets, and consumers tightening their spending.

So the association lowered its export target for the year to $3.05 billion, $50 million and $750 million lower than its own previous target and the one set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Exports rose significantly since August and especially in the last quarter, and the industry expects to see this continue in 2024, the association said.

Bạch Khánh Nhựt, the association’s deputy chairman, said the global cashew market is forecast to grow by 4.6 per cent a year in 2022-27.

The global trend towards vegan and plant-based diets has increased demand for nuts and nut-based foods, including cashew.

Vũ Thái Sơn, chairman of Long Sơn Group, said the cashew industry must also keep abreast of the current green trend and meet consumer demands and the more stringent requirements in terms of environment and social responsibility.

Businesses must demonstrate their social and environmental responsibility to their partners, he added.

According to experts, with major raw cashew supplying countries such as Ivory Coast stepping up exports of processed kernels, Việt Nam’s cashew industry needs to focus on improving quality and diversifying products to keep its competitive advantage.

The association and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency are set to organise the 13th VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous from February 26 to 28 in Quảng Bình Province’s Đồng Hới City, he said.

Being an important trade promotion event for the cashew industry, the event will feature a number of activities such as networking, signing of deals and discussions on production and trading of raw nuts and kernels, and is expected to attract 400-500 local and foreign delegates, he said.