Vietnamese Cashews: Standards, Opportunities, Partners

“Vietnam has long affirmed its leading position in global cashew kernel exports. Notably, in 2024, Vietnam continued to maintain its advantage with impressive growth. According to data from the General Department of Customs, in 2024, Vietnam reached 730 thousand tons, valued at 4.37 billion USD, an increase of 13.3% in volume and 20.2% in value compared to 2023. This marks the 18th consecutive year that Vietnam has held the position of the world’s largest cashew exporter, accounting for over 80% of the total global export volume of cashew kernels (According to Cong Luan Brand Magazine).

Opportunities for International Importers

The key lies in the closed-loop supply chain, from growing regions to modern processing plants, combined with a flexible logistics system that saves time and costs. Amidst the spreading “eat well, live well” trend in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, demand is increasing strongly for both raw cashew kernels (as ingredients) and premium packaged products. For international buyers, suppliers need to ensure 3 key factors: full certification, transparent traceability, and the ability to customize products for each distribution channel – the path to sustainable profits.

Standards & Certifications – The “Passport” for Cashew Exports

Certifications are not just “paperwork” but also a commitment to transparency in production processes, food safety, and social responsibility. For importers, a complete set of certificates helps shorten customs clearance time, reduces the risk of product recalls, and creates a foundation for long-term contracts with retail chains.

Cleaned whole cashew nuts.GlobalG.A.P — Starting from the Farm

GlobalG.A.P confirms that cashews are grown according to Good Agricultural Practices: fertilizer management, IPM-based pest control, labor welfare, and batch traceability. When working with a supplier, you should request a copy of the certificate with a reference number, scope (farm/region), and a summary of the audit results. For suppliers associated with multiple farms, a list of farm IDs and GPS maps is needed to verify the scope of application.

HACCP – Safety in the Processing Plant

HACCP ensures risk control at key points: shelling, drying, roasting, and packaging. The factory must have a HACCP plan with CCPs, critical limits, monitoring procedures, and corrective actions. Before signing a contract, you should request a HACCP summary, monitoring logs for sample batches, and a COA from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory (especially for aflatoxin and microbiological testing).

ISO 22000 / ISO 9001 / BRC – Retailer Compliance

ISO 22000 integrates food safety management with prerequisite programs (PRPs); ISO 9001 ensures a quality management system. For European/UK retail clients, BRC or an equivalent standard is often a mandatory requirement. Ask for a certificate with a clear scope (e.g., “processing & packaging of cashew kernels – bulk & retail”) along with evidence of mock recall/traceability tests – proving the ability to trace a product within 24–72 hours if needed.

Organic (EU/USDA/others) – Protecting the Organic Chain

For organic cashews, certification must cover both the farm and the processing facility. The core requirement is segregation: the supplier must have SOPs to separate organic and conventional lines, maintain records of organic raw material purchases, and provide a chain of custody for each export shipment. You should request inspection reports and evidence of corrective actions for any past non-conformities.

Kio Viet – A Reliable Partner in Vietnam

In the context of the strong growth of Vietnam’s cashew industry, the demand for reputable suppliers with closed-loop value chains and international standards is becoming increasingly urgent. Kio Viet Co., Ltd – a member of KIO Korea – is the bridge between Vietnamese businesses and the international market. More than just a supplier, Kio Viet offers a comprehensive export solution with key advantages:

• International Partner Network: As part of the KIO ecosystem, Kio Viet has global connections and distribution channels, facilitating easier entry into target markets.
• Import-Export Expertise: Specializing in high-quality products, with extensive experience in trade procedures, customs, and logistics for international clients.
• Market Development & Consulting: Assisting Vietnamese businesses in standardizing products, optimizing packaging, and preparing export documentation to approach importers/retail chains.
• Customer Service & Operations: Clear communication channels, extended working hours (08:00–21:00), and a rapid-response hotline – suitable for transactions across time zones.
• Commitment to Sustainable Development: With the mission of “accompanying Vietnamese businesses for sustainable development,” Kio Viet positions itself as a transparent, responsible, and long-term partner.

Kio Viet is ready to become your trusted partner in the global cashew supply chain. Contact us now for a quote and samples of our internationally-certified products.“