Cashew Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Flavoured & Unflavoured), By Application (Daily Food & Cooking), and Regional Forecast to 2033

CASHEW MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Cashew market size was USD 9.67 million in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 12.26 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period.

The cashew market can be defined as the international buying and selling of cashew nuts, which are generally taken as snacks and utilized in other food items. The cashew is a nutritious kidney-shaped edible seed that is produced in the cashew apple. It contains nutrients containing healthy fats and proteins as well as minerals. An increase in health awareness and the use of plant-based foods is causing the market to grow. Snack, dairy alternative, and confectionary industries in particular demand a lot. The market is also increasing due to the rising exports and the innovations in processing exports.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING THE CASHEW MARKETCOVID-19 IMPACT

Cashew Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to Reduced Processing Capacity during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an adverse impact at the initial stage of the cashew market. Harvesting and labor-intensive production of cashew nuts were hindered by lockdowns and work limitations that led to supply bottlenecks and lower production. Constraints in global logistics and port closures further hampered exports, resulting in a slowing of the inventory processing and loss of finances to the producers. In the meantime, the hotels, restaurants, and confectionery industries closed, which has significantly reduced the demand on cashew-based products. All these disturbances combined led to falling sales, inefficiency in operational activities, and sheer price fluctuation on the market.

LATEST TRENDS

Cashew Milk Drives Plant-Based Demand, Boosting Market Growth Globally

There are a number of remarkable trends in the cashew market at present, with its rise in popularity as a plant-based milk alternative due to being a healthier and more sustainable substitute as cashew milk soars in popularity alike. The demand for clean-label, lactose-free beverages is driving the innovation in cashew milk, which is one of the fastest-growing segments of nut-based beverages. Simultaneously, value-added cashew snacks, roasted and flavored as well as honey-glazed cashews, are on their way to becoming increasingly popular among buyers who are both health-conscious and in search of convenience. Specialties such as confectionary and vegan desserts are also using premium and organic cashews more frequently. Nonetheless, the most promising current trend, according to which the market continues to grow and redefine industry priorities, is the use of cashew milk as a plant-based milk.

CASHEW MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Flavoured & Unflavoured

• Flavoured: Flavored cashews are becoming popular amongst consumers with respect to variety and the ability to have bigger tasting experiences. They also come in a variety of choices, including spicy, sweet, tangy, and infused with herbs. They are particularly snack foods and retailing markets. Seasoning and packaging inventions are essential to creating the demand for the flavored variants. The trend locks with the increasing popularity of convenient ready-to-eat healthy snack foods.
• Unflavoured: Raw cashews will always be a standard flavor because they taste natural and can be used in many ways. They find application in food preparation and baking as well as healthy snacks. Health-conscious consumers will tend to avoid flavored food to prevent additional sodium or sugar. They can perfectly suit sweet and savory dishes. Their fixed market position is supported by the constant food processing industries and household demand.

BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Daily Food & Cooking

• Daily Food: The cashews are being increasingly used in diets since they are rich in nutrients. They have a high content of healthy fats, proteins, and other beneficial minerals, which makes them a favorite snack. They are widely used by many people to be included in breakfast bowls, energy bars, or just roasted. They are convenient and healthy, which makes them regularly demanded in households. The urban and health-conscious consumers are particularly increasing the consumption daily.
• Cooking: Cashews are cooked in a wide variety of cuisines, particularly Asian and Middle Eastern, and in vegetarian, including vegan, cuisine. They may be employed whole or pounded to pastes to be used as they are, or they may be blended into sauces to give a creaminess and texture. Gravies and curries, as well as desserts, usually include cashew paste. They give a subtle taste to sweet and savory foods. Increasing popularity of plant-based products is also enhancing their utilization as an alternative to dairy in food recipes.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

DRIVING FACTORS

Healthy Snacking Trends Significantly Boost Global Market Growth Today

Increasing awareness about healthy snacking has been driving the Cashew Market Growth. The cashew nut represents one of the best sources of essential nutrients, healthy fats, magnesium, and antioxidants. Consumers have been actively seeking plant-based, protein-rich snacks, and this has increased cashew consumption. Then, the shift to natural and organic foods goes very well with the clean label of cashew. This trend is very strong in urban areas and developed markets. This, in turn, has led to a steady increase in the demand for raw and processed cashew products.

Culinary Innovation and Dairy Alternatives Drive Strong Market Growth

Increasingly, cashews find applications in a wide array of culinary disciplines—from dairy alternatives to desserts and bakery products. Cashew milk and cashew-based cheese are enjoying acceptance among vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers. Cashews find applications in international cuisines promoted by the catering industry due to their creamy texture and pleasant salty taste. This makes cashews even more marketable across commercial kitchens and packaged food brands. Growth in health-oriented food innovation in turn promotes wider cashew usage. The increased processing of cashews into value-added products stimulates market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

High Production Costs Hinder Market Growth in Price-Sensitive Regions

High cost of production and processing can be taken as one of the restraining factors within the cashew market. The removing of the shell and handling of cashew nuts involve labor-intensive procedures and in many producing nations remain manually conducted. Also, cost and supply are affected by changes in cost and supply of raw cashew nuts and unpredictable yields with changes in weather. Such obstacles erode the profit margin of the producers and raise the retail price. Consequently, expansion in the market can be impeded, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

OPPORTUNITY

Plant-based Demand Boosts Market Growth Through Innovative Dairy Alternatives

A case through which the cashew can grow is its increasing appetite in the global product, planted protein, and nutritious treats. Cashews are extremely nutritious and land nicely in vegan diets and healthy lifestyles. The innovation of dairy products using cashews, milk, cheese, and butter can serve untapped consumer markets. Also, there are new high-end markets appearing due to the increased demand for organic and sustainably sourced cashews. This is in favor of higher exports and value-added product innovation.

CHALLENGE

Supply Chain Instability Negatively Impacts Consistent Market Growth Potential

The unpredictable supply chain is also a major setback that the cashew market experiences since the weather is not the same all the years, and harvesting is not extensively mechanized. Processing more frequently consumes a great deal of labor, notably in the shelling and peeling aspect, which may culminate in inefficiencies and quality. Most of the production areas also do not have the amenity of new infrastructure and warehouses. The sellers in international markets are both producers and exporters who are disturbed by the fluctuation of prices. All these plays against stable growth and long-term profitability in the cashew industry.

CASHEW MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

High Consumer Demand Drives North America's Strong Market Growth

North America occupies the largest Cashew Market Share, due to the high demand of the consumers to get nutritious snacks, plant-based foods, and processed cashew products. The United States Cashew Market is also a pioneer in this domination, as the share in North America is the largest because it has attained high per capita consumption and an extended scope in the area of dairy alternatives, snacks, and health foods. The U.S. is also the leader in imports, importing most shelled cashews, and has superior processing and innovation in value-added products. This trend makes North America a force to reckon with in terms of consumption and market presence of cashews in the world.

• EUROPE

Europe’s Health Trends and Imports Significantly Drive Market Growth

Europe also plays a massive role in the cashew industry, as people want to eat healthy snacks and vegetable substitutes. Consumers are opting to use cashews because of their nutritional values and in the production of vegan substitutes of dairy products. The area is an importer of huge quantities of cashews, visiting mostly the African and Asian world, which promotes international trade. Such countries as Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK are leading in processing and distribution. The focus on clean-label and organic food also drives the growth of the market in Europe.

• ASIA

Asia’s Production, Processing, And Demand Strongly Boost Market Growth

Asia is a huge player in the cashew industry as a big producer and processor. Nations such as India and Vietnam are the world centers of the production and export of cashews because of the favorable climatic conditions and the developed processing base. The region has a high domestic demand, which is promoted by conventional culinary applications and the rise in health consciousness. Asian processors of cashews also provide the world snacks and confectionary markets. Increasing investment in automation and quality standards is improving Asian competitiveness in the world.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Innovations, Investments, And Expansion Strategies Are Accelerating Market Growth

The legislative changes in various countries, processing innovations, flavors, and strategic distribution in key market players are making changes in the cashew market. To gain efficiency and sustain the quality of their products, major business establishments are investing in sophisticated equipment. They are also coming up with new flavored varieties of cashew in keeping with new consumer demands. These players are expanding and branching out to newer markets, especially through alliances and mergers. They are also in the process of achieving brand value and consumer confidence through their attention to sustainable procurement and corporate responsibility in other regions.

LIST OF TOP CASHEW COMPANIES

• Planters (U.S.)
• Fisher (Germany)
• Emerald (India)
• Nuts Harvest (India)
• Frito-Lay (U.S.)
• Emily's (U.S.)
• Sahale Snacks (U.S.)
• Beer Nuts (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

January, 2025: Valency International inaugurated a new cashew processing plant in Attinguié, Côte d’Ivoire, capable of processing 45,000 tons annually. It was constructed with an investment of USD 15.8 million, and the facility is a significant milestone in the provision of domestic value addition to the raw cashew nut. It is in line with the strategy of Côte d'Ivoire of having at least half of its annual cashew production processed within the country by 2033. The plant will consolidate the processing infrastructure in the country in addition to supporting capabilities that are export-ready in regard to cashew kernels. This milestone reflects increased investments and capacity addition towards addressing world demand in the cashew market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.