Cashew nut season begins in Guinea-Bissau, farmers expect strong demand

GUINEA-BISSAU – The government of Guinea-Bissau has officially announced the beginning of the raw cashew nut season, signaling a critical period for farmers and traders alike.

While stocks of cashews have yet to reach the capital, Bissau, farmers in rural villages are harvesting and stockpiling their produce in anticipation of upcoming trade. With a growing interest from non-traditional buyers, this year’s season could see unexpected market shifts.

At the start of the season, prices for raw cashew nuts are at their lowest, providing an opportunity for buyers to secure stock before demand pushes costs higher. Industry experts suggest that those who move early stand to gain a financial advantage.

“Prices are currently favorable for buyers, making it a strategic time to purchase and store cashew nuts in Bissau,” said an agricultural trader based in the capital. “Once supply increases and export demand grows, prices will naturally adjust.”

However, reports indicate that international interest is expanding beyond the usual markets. Some Middle Eastern and Asian buyers, previously focused on other commodities, have now turned to Guinea-Bissau’s cashew supply, a trend that could impact pricing dynamics in the coming weeks.

According to data from Freshela Exporters, the cost of a kilo of raw cashew nuts in Guinea-Bissau ranges from 900 to 1,200 CFA Francs (US$1.50–US$2.00), with farmgate prices sitting lower at 250 to 350 CFA Francs.

Cashew nut production is deeply tied to Guinea-Bissau’s financial stability, making the sector vital for both farmers and the government.

The crop contributes about a quarter of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with exports valued at over US$200 million in 2022, marking a 42% increase from the previous year.

Despite the significance of cashew farming, most of the nuts are exported raw, with little processing done locally. While cashew apples are used to produce juice and wine, only a small portion of the nuts undergoes domestic processing.

Instead, the majority of the raw cashews are shipped overseas, where they are roasted, shelled, and packaged for international markets.

Market logistics and quality standards

Buyers in Guinea-Bissau typically acquire cashews from farmers before selling them to exporters. Some independent buyers operate on behalf of companies in urban areas, ensuring that the supply chain remains active.

Unlike in the past, when cashews were often exchanged for rice, today’s market is structured around cash transactions.

At collection centers, cashews are weighed, stored, and transported to warehouses, where they undergo further drying before being prepared for export. The nuts must meet strict quality standards before being sold internationally.

Buyers conduct thorough tests to ensure that moisture levels remain below 10% and that impurities such as stones and sticks do not exceed 0.5% per kilogram.

Exports from Guinea-Bissau are subject to international grading standards, which assess nut count and kernel outturn ratio (KOR).

Buyers often look for a nut count between 170 and 210 per kilogram and a KOR of 20 to 25 kilograms per 80-kilogram sack. Higher KOR values indicate better-quality cashews, which fetch premium prices in global markets.

With the season officially underway, stakeholders in the cashew industry are preparing for a busy period. Farmers are focused on maintaining quality while buyers are strategizing on storage and logistics to maximize returns.

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