Largest Producer Of Cashew In The World : Cashew Nut Production
Top Leading Producer of Cashew - Benefits of the World’s Creamiest Super-Nut
Top 5 Largest Cashew Producer In The World
Côte d'Ivoire
1,250,000 2025
India
810,000 2025
Cambodia
535,000 2025
Vietnam
390,000 2025
Philippines
255,000 2025
| Rank | Country | Year 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Côte d'Ivoire | 848,700 | 968,000 | 1,028,000 | 1,220,000 | 1,250,000 | 1,280,000 |
| 2 | India | 738,000 | 772,000 | 752,000 | 795,000 | 810,000 | 825,000 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 338,000 | 353,000 | 342,000 | 385,000 | 390,000 | 395,000 |
| 4 | Cambodia | 225,000 | 385,000 | 480,000 | 520,000 | 535,000 | 550,000 |
| 5 | Philippines | 235,000 | 238,000 | 244,000 | 250,000 | 255,000 | 260,000 |
| 6 | Tanzania | 210,000 | 235,000 | 202,000 | 245,000 | 250,000 | 255,000 |
| 7 | Benin | 135,000 | 145,000 | 160,000 | 185,000 | 195,000 | 205,000 |
| 8 | Mali | 120,000 | 125,000 | 132,000 | 145,000 | 148,000 | 152,000 |
| 9 | Guinea-Bissau | 155,000 | 162,000 | 150,000 | 158,000 | 160,000 | 162,000 |
| 10 | Brazil | 138,000 | 115,000 | 141,000 | 125,000 | 130,000 | 135,000 |
| 11 | Nigeria | 110,000 | 115,000 | 120,000 | 128,000 | 132,000 | 138,000 |
| 12 | Burkina Faso | 85,000 | 92,000 | 98,000 | 110,000 | 115,000 | 120,000 |
| 13 | Ghana | 72,000 | 78,000 | 85,000 | 95,000 | 98,000 | 102,000 |
| 14 | Mozambique | 82,000 | 74,000 | 78,000 | 85,000 | 88,000 | 92,000 |
| 15 | Indonesia | 95,000 | 92,000 | 90,000 | 88,000 | 86,000 | 85,000 |
| 16 | Sri Lanka | 45,000 | 46,500 | 48,000 | 51,000 | 52,500 | 54,000 |
| 17 | Guinea | 35,000 | 38,000 | 41,000 | 45,000 | 48,000 | 51,000 |
| 18 | Thailand | 28,000 | 29,500 | 30,000 | 31,500 | 32,000 | 32,500 |
| 19 | Senegal | 24,000 | 26,000 | 28,000 | 31,000 | 32,500 | 34,000 |
| 20 | Kenya | 12,000 | 13,500 | 14,200 | 16,000 | 17,200 | 18,500 |
| 21 | Madagascar | 11,000 | 11,500 | 12,000 | 13,500 | 14,200 | 15,000 |
| 22 | Honduras | 8,500 | 9,000 | 9,500 | 10,200 | 10,800 | 11,500 |
| 23 | Colombia | 6,200 | 6,800 | 7,500 | 9,000 | 10,200 | 11,500 |
| 24 | Togo | 7,500 | 8,000 | 8,400 | 9,200 | 9,800 | 10,500 |
| 25 | Sierra Leone | 4,500 | 5,200 | 6,000 | 7,500 | 8,200 | 9,000 |
| 26 | Malawi | 4,200 | 4,500 | 4,900 | 5,500 | 5,800 | 6,200 |
| 27 | Peru | 3,200 | 3,500 | 3,800 | 4,500 | 5,000 | 5,500 |
| 28 | Venezuela | 4,800 | 4,600 | 4,400 | 4,100 | 4,000 | 3,800 |
| 29 | El Salvador | 3,500 | 3,600 | 3,650 | 3,700 | 3,750 | 3,800 |
| 30 | Dominican Rep. | 2,800 | 3,000 | 3,100 | 3,300 | 3,400 | 3,500 |
| 31 | Guatemala | 2,200 | 2,400 | 2,600 | 2,900 | 3,100 | 3,300 |
| 32 | China | 1,500 | 1,600 | 1,800 | 2,100 | 2,300 | 2,500 |
| 33 | Mexico | 1,800 | 1,850 | 1,900 | 1,950 | 2,000 | 2,100 |
| 34 | Bolivia | 1,100 | 1,200 | 1,300 | 1,500 | 1,600 | 1,700 |
| 35 | Cameroon | 800 | 950 | 1,100 | 1,350 | 1,450 | 1,600 |
| 36 | Ecuador | 1,200 | 1,250 | 1,300 | 1,350 | 1,400 | 1,450 |
| 37 | Taiwan | 650 | 620 | 600 | 550 | 520 | 500 |
| 38 | Zambia | 220 | 280 | 350 | 420 | 460 | 520 |
| 39 | Australia | 150 | 180 | 220 | 310 | 360 | 420 |
| 40 | Yemen | 95 | 98 | 100 | 105 | 108 | 110 |
| Sources : | Cashew Producing Country : WITS - Worldbank | ||||||
Least Five Producer Of Cashew
Yemen
108 Ton
Australia
360 Ton
Zambia
460 Ton
Taiwan
520 Ton
Ecuador
1,400 Ton
The cashew (Anacardium occidentale), often nicknamed “Gray Gold” for its immense economic value in West Africa, has evolved from a tropical curiosity into a global nutritional titan. While other nuts are praised for their fiber or Omega-3s, the cashew holds Nutritional Supremacy through its extraordinary concentration of Magnesium, Copper, and Zinc. As of 2026, the global cashew market has surpassed $9.6 billion, driven by the “plant-based dairy” revolution and the rising demand for functional, mineral-dense snacks.
Global Production: The Leading Nations
Cashew cultivation is dominated by two major regions: West Africa (the production heartland) and Southeast Asia (the processing hub). Together, these regions supply over 90% of the world’s raw cashew nuts (RCN).
1. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire): The Global Giant
Ivory Coast remains the world leader And Ranked On Top Top Cashew Producing Countries
, with an annual output exceeding 1.25 million tonnes
The “Gray Gold” Economy: Cashews are a vital source of income for millions of smallholder farmers in the northern regions.
Strategic Shift: Traditionally a raw exporter, the country is now aggressively expanding its domestic processing capacity to keep more value within its borders.
2. Cambodia: The Rising Challenger
Cambodia has seen explosive growth, with 2026 estimates placing production near 850,000 tonnes.
Key Advantage: Cambodia utilizes high-yield varieties and has become the primary supplier for Vietnam’s massive processing industry.
Growth: In just a few years, it has leaped past traditional producers like India and Vietnam in terms of raw nut volume.
3. India: The Dual Powerhouse
India produces approximately 725,000 tonnes annually but holds a unique position as both a top cashew production and the world’s largest consumer.
Domestic Market: India absorbs over 30% of global cashew demand, using the nut in everything from traditional sweets (Kaju Katli) to high-end culinary pastes.
Processing Hub: Despite its high production, India still imports raw nuts from Africa to feed its massive shelling and roasting industry.
The Magnesium King: Why Cashews Rule the Mineral World
The primary reason for the cashew’s nutritional supremacy is its role as a “Mineral Powerhouse.” While almonds lead in Vitamin E, cashews offer a superior profile of minerals critical for the nervous system and bone health.
Magnesium for Neurological Balance
A 100g serving of roasted cashews provides roughly 292mg of Magnesium, fulfilling nearly 75% of the daily recommended intake.
Biological Action: Magnesium regulates GABA, the neurotransmitter responsible for “calming” the brain. This makes cashews a natural aid for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
Copper and Zinc: The Immunity Duo
Cashews are one of the best plant-based sources of Copper (providing nearly 70% of the DV per ounce). Copper is essential for iron metabolism and the formation of red blood cells, while the high Zinc content supports a robust immune response and wound healing.
Nutritional Showdown: Cashews vs. The World (Per 100g)
| Nutrient | Cashews | Almonds | Walnuts | Winner |
| Magnesium | 292 mg | 270 mg | 158 mg | Cashews |
| Zinc | 5.8 mg | 3.1 mg | 3.1 mg | Cashews |
| Copper | 2.2 mg | 1.0 mg | 1.6 mg | Cashews |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 3.7 mg | 2.9 mg | Cashews |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8g | 3.8g | 6.1g | Almonds (Lowest) |
Core Benefits for Humans
Beyond basic minerals, the cashew offers specialized benefits for long-term health:
Heart Muscle Support: The combination of monounsaturated fats and high magnesium helps relax blood vessels and stabilize heart rhythms, reducing the risk of hypertension.
Blood Sugar Stability: Studies indicate that cashews have a low glycemic index and may improve insulin sensitivity, making them a “smart snack” for managing Type 2 Diabetes.
Bone Mineralization: 60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones. Cashews work synergistically with calcium to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone density in aging adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cashews never sold in their shells?
Cashew shells contain anacardic acid, a toxic resin similar to urushiol found in poison ivy. The nuts must be carefully roasted and shelled by professionals to ensure the resin is completely removed before they are safe to eat.
Are cashews “fattening”?
While energy-dense, research shows that the body doesn’t absorb all the calories listed on the label for cashews. Their high protein and fiber content actually increase “satiety,” helping to prevent overeating and support weight management.
Is there a difference between raw and roasted cashews?
“Raw” cashews sold in stores have actually been steamed to remove toxins. Dry-roasted cashews are often more flavorful but may have slightly lower levels of certain heat-sensitive antioxidants.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional nutritionist.