Premium raw cashew nuts and processed kernels from Burkina Faso showcasing excellent kernel outturn ratios, certifications, and dependable supply.
Product Overview
Primary Origin
Burkina Faso cashew belt: Cascades, Hauts-Bassins, Boucle du Mouhoun
Harvest Season
March – June (peak quality April – May)
Supply Forms
Raw cashew nuts (RCN) and processed kernels (W180 – SWP)
Certifications
GlobalGAP, Organic (EU & USDA), HACCP, Fair Trade options
Burkina Faso delivers 250,000+ MT of raw cashews annually with consistently strong kernel outturn ratios. We aggregate production via farmer cooperatives and modern processors to supply both RCN for shelling hubs and premium kernels for direct retail and foodservice channels worldwide.
Specifications
Raw Cashew Nut Metrics
Processed Kernel Highlights
Compliance & Laboratory Testing
Quality Assurance
Certified Supply Chains
GlobalGAP-audited cooperatives with full traceability from orchard to export documentation.
Organic & Fair Trade Options
EU 2018/848, USDA NOP, and Fairtrade certified lots with segregated storage and handling protocols.
Food Safety Program
HACCP and ISO 22000 aligned facilities, third-party audits (SGS/Bureau Veritas) per shipment.
Responsible Sourcing
Smallholder farmer partnerships delivering social premiums and climate-smart agronomy support.
Key Certifications
GlobalGAP
Organic (EU & USDA)
Fairtrade
Rainforest Alliance
Quality Control Workflow
Field Monitoring
Agronomists assess maturity, pest pressure, and forecast KOR to plan procurement windows.
Drying & Conditioning
Sun and mechanical drying reduce moisture to 8-10%, followed by conditioning for uniform moisture balance.
Sorting & Grading
Manual and optical sorting removes defects while KOR tests validate lot performance.
Laboratory Verification
Every export lot tested for moisture, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and microbiological compliance.
Processing & Harvest
Field Operations
Pre-Harvest Monitoring
Agronomists assess flowering, pest pressure, and projected KOR ahead of peak harvest.
Harvest & Collection
Nuts collected daily during April–May peak, stored under shade to preserve moisture balance.
On-Farm Drying
Sun drying reduces moisture from 12-15% to 8-10%; premium lots receive mechanical finish drying.
Lot Segregation
RCN graded by KOR, nut count, and defect percentages before consolidation at warehouse hubs.
Kernel Processing Workflow
Steaming & Shelling
Conditioned nuts steamed and shelled with rotary shellers to protect kernel integrity.
Drying & Peeling
Hot-air drying to 3-5% moisture followed by air knife and manual peeling of testa skin.
Grading & Sorting
Optical sorting and manual inspection classify kernels by AFI grades (W180–SWP).
Packaging & QA
Vacuum sealing, nitrogen flushing, and QA release with Certificate of Analysis per lot.
Compliance Checks
Laboratory Testing
Moisture, aflatoxin, heavy metal, and microbiological testing executed each shipment.
Traceability & Documentation
Lot coding, EUR.1/CO, phytosanitary, and SGS/Bureau Veritas inspection certificates provided.
Food Safety Audits
HACCP, ISO 22000, and customer-specific audits maintained for export market compliance.
Sustainability
Fairtrade premiums reinvested in smallholder services and regenerative cashew agroforestry.
Packaging & Logistics
Raw Cashew Nut Packaging
Jute Bags (80kg)
Biodegradable sacks with double stitching; ideal for short-haul trade and rapid turnover.
Load: 280-300 bags/20ft · 22-24 MT
PP Woven Bags (50kg)
UV-stabilised with optional PE liner for moisture barrier; standard export format.
Load: 400-420 bags/20ft · 20-21 MT
Jumbo FIBC (1 MT)
Forklift-ready bulk bags for processors requiring efficient handling and storage.
Load: 20-22 bags/20ft · 20-22 MT
Vacuum Barrier Bags (25kg)
Multi-layer laminate with 80-95% vacuum; extends shelf life to 18 months for premium lots.
Load: 800-850 bags/20ft · 20-21 MT
Processed Kernel Packaging
Vacuum Tin (10kg)
Food-grade tinplate, nitrogen flushed; 18-24 month shelf life for industrial buyers.
Vacuum Bag in Carton (10kg)
Aluminium laminate bag within corrugated carton; mainstream wholesale solution.
Nitrogen Pouch (5kg)
BOPP/PE laminate flushed with nitrogen; 12-15 month shelf life for food service.
Retail Stand-Up Pouch (100-500g)
Zip-lock metallised laminate with window; private label ready for premium retail shelves.
Export Packaging Comparison
Shipping & Logistics
Sea Freight
20ft: 20-24 MT · 40ft HC: 42-48 MT · Transit 18-25 days to EU/US.
Storage Conditions
15-25°C, ≤60% RH, odor-free warehouse with pallets and desiccant packs.
Export Documents
Commercial invoice, packing list, phytosanitary, EUR.1/CO, Certificate of Analysis.
Insurance & QA
Cargo insurance (CIF) and third-party pre-shipment inspection available on request.
Mandatory Label Elements
- Product name, botanical name, origin (Burkina Faso).
- Net weight, harvest season, lot/batch code for traceability.
- Exporter contact, KOR or kernel grade, storage instructions.
- Allergen declaration: contains tree nuts (cashew).
Value-Add Options
- Certification badges (GlobalGAP, Organic, Fairtrade, HACCP).
- QR code for farm-to-export traceability and lab reports.
- Sustainability messaging highlighting smallholder impact.
- Nutritional callouts: high in copper, magnesium, and plant protein.
Pricing & Terms (January 2025)
Raw Cashew Nuts (FOB Abidjan)
Pricing includes farmer payments, quality inspection, export documentation, and Abidjan port handling. Seasonal softening of 8-15% typically occurs during April-May harvest.
Processed Cashew Kernels (FOB)
Payment & Contract Options
Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)
- 30% deposit, 70% against shipping documents
- Fast processing for repeat buyers
- Bank partners: Ecobank, Bank of Africa
Letters of Credit
- Irrevocable L/C at sight (30-60 days)
- Confirmed by top-tier correspondent banks
- Ideal for high-volume contracts
Escrow & Stablecoin
- Payoneer Escrow, Escrow.com (1.5-2.5%)
- USDC/USDT settlement under 1% fees
- Split farmer/processor payouts supported
Commercial Notes
- Quotes valid 7-14 days; forward contracts available with 10-15% deposit.
- FOB Abidjan standard; CFR/CIF on request.
- Volume discounts from 100 MT (RCN) or 5 MT (kernels).
- Pre-shipment inspection (SGS/Bureau Veritas) and Certificate of Analysis included.
Competitive Advantages
Cost Advantage
FOB pricing 8-12% below neighboring origins while sustaining premium KOR levels.
Reliable Volumes
200K+ MT annual exports supported by scalable smallholder networks and warehousing.
Certified Supply
Organic, GlobalGAP, and Fairtrade programs covering 25-30K MT with rapid expansion.
Duty-Free EU Access
0% tariff under EPA with EUR.1 support, saving €50-75 per MT versus non-EPA origins.
For Shelling Processors
- Consistent KOR 48-52 lbs enabling W240-W320 kernel output.
- Flexible packaging: jute, PP, FIBC, and vacuum options.
- Forward contracts to secure peak-season supply and pricing.
For Retail & Organic Buyers
- Organic and Fairtrade cashews with full traceability and ESG storytelling.
- Duty-free entry to the EU; competitive versus Asian origins.
- Access to processed kernels (W180-W450, pieces) for private label programs.
Market Applications
Snack Foods
Whole kernels (W210-W320) for roasted, flavored, and mixed-nut formats across retail and ecommerce channels.
Confectionery & Bakery
LWP/SWP inclusions for chocolate, granola, bars, and premium desserts seeking clean-label ingredients.
Food Service & Culinary
Cashews for stir-fries, curries, sauces, salads, and hotel/restaurant supply with reliable year-round availability.
Plant-Based Innovation
Milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, and spreads using SWP/LWP for smooth texture and neutral flavor profiles.
Industrial Processing
Nut butter, confectionery fillings, cereal inclusions, and protein snacks utilizing cost-effective grades.
Private Label Programs
Retail-ready vacuum packs, stand-up pouches, and custom branding for supermarkets and specialty stores.
Sustainability Storytelling
Smallholder sourcing (85% of production) and Fairtrade premiums strengthen ESG communications.
Emerging Markets
Growing demand across GCC, East Asia, and African diaspora channels for premium West African cashews.
Nutritional Profile & Health Messaging
Cardiovascular Support
Monounsaturated fats and phytosterols help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Claim: "Source of unsaturated fat" (EU).
Plant Protein
18 g protein per 100 g with balanced amino acids—ideal for plant-based snacks and sports nutrition.
Mineral Density
High in copper, magnesium, and manganese for energy metabolism, bone health, and immune function.
Low Glycaemic Impact
Glycaemic index of 25 supports blood sugar management alongside carbohydrate-based meals.
Allergen & Dietary Guidance
- Contains tree nuts (cashew); allergen declaration required.
- Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and paleo positioning.
- Processed on segregated lines with documented allergen controls.
Approved Marketing Claims
- "High in magnesium" and "high in copper" (EU/US).
- "Source of plant protein" and "source of unsaturated fat".
- Fits clean-label, whole-food, and functional snacking narratives.
Certifications & Compliance
Compliance programs underpin our export reliability and open preferential access to key markets. Buyers can select from a spectrum of sustainability, food safety, and traceability certifications depending on target customer requirements.
Primary Certifications
- GlobalGAP IFA 5.4 — Traceable orchards, IPM practices, worker welfare monitoring.
- Organic (EU 2018/848 & USDA NOP) — Segregated supply with Ecocert & Control Union audits; +40-60% price premiums.
- Fairtrade International — Social premium of $0.10-$0.15/kg reinvested in cooperative development.
- Rainforest Alliance — Biodiversity and climate-smart agroforestry compliance for ESG-driven buyers.
Food Safety Programs
- HACCP & ISO 22000 — Hazard mapping, CCP monitoring, and documented corrective actions.
- Third-Party Inspection — SGS/Bureau Veritas moisture, KOR, aflatoxin, and microbiological testing for each lot.
- ISO 17025 Laboratories — Accredited CoA reporting accepted by EU/US regulators and trade finance.
- Container Loading Supervision — Seal verification and photographic evidence for dispute mitigation.
Market Access Tools
- EPA EUR.1 Certificate — 0% duty entry to the EU, saving €50-75/MT versus MFN tariffs.
- Phytosanitary Certification — Burkina Faso Ministry of Agriculture inspection for pest-free export.
- Traceability Systems — Digital lot coding linked to farmer cooperatives and processing batches.
- Sustainability Reporting — Impact dashboards covering smallholder incomes and carbon footprint.
Standard Export Documents
- Commercial Invoice outlining Incoterms, payment terms, and pricing.
- Packing List with bag counts, gross/net weights, and container numbers.
- Bill of Lading issued by the carrier for L/C settlement.
- Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce or EUR.1 for EPA duty-free access).
- Phytosanitary Certificate verifying plant health status.
- Certificate of Analysis detailing moisture, aflatoxin, and microbiological results.
Value-Add Documentation
- Organic & Fairtrade Certificates with transaction records per shipment.
- GlobalGAP PHC (product handling certificate) for traceability confirmation.
- HACCP Records including CCP logs and sanitation checklists.
- Fumigation Certificate when required by destination market.
- Insurance & Inspection Reports for CIF contracts or buyer assurance.
Contact & Quote Support
Ready to Source Premium Cashew Nuts?
Contact our export specialists for pricing, seasonal availability, and tailored kernel or RCN supply contracts.
Our Offices
London, UK
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Phone
UK: +44 (0)20 4572 0724
UK: +44 (0)7 541 671 714
BF: +226 78 55 32 16