Cashew processing and consumption double in two decades

17-Nov-2025 04:39 PM

Mangalore. Given the rapidly growing demand and consumption in the domestic sector, cashew processing and utilization in India is expected to double from current levels by 2045.

Speaking on the future of cashew processing at the centenary celebrations of cashew processing in Mangalore, Karnataka, the President of the All India Cashew Association (AICA) stated that cashew consumption in the country is expected to more than double by 2045, and to meet this demand,

a significant increase in production will be required. Currently, the country requires approximately 2 million tons of cashew processing, while this requirement will jump to at least 4 million tons in the next 20 years (two decades).

According to the AICA President, global annual production of raw cashews is currently approximately 6 million tons, while this figure could increase by more than two and a half times to reach 15 million tons in the next 20 years.

Adequate stocks of raw cashews will be available for processing in Africa, India, Vietnam, and other regions. He stated that cashew consumption will remain consistent, and no other product (dry nuts) will be able to impact it.

The scope of cashew consumption is expanding, and new areas may begin to be used in the coming years.

Particular attention needs to be focused on the use of machinery in cashew production and processing. With the availability of modern machinery, non-mechanized units are expected to dominate.

The Association President expressed concern that artificial intelligence (AI) could displace cashew processing in the future, but it could also help the industry improve its efficiency and work efficiency.

Raw cashew production could increase rapidly in eastern and western African countries and Cambodia.