Introduction – United Kingdom’s Cashew Nut Market by the Numbers
Let’s be clear right off the bat—the United Kingdom (UK) isn’t a cashew-growing powerhouse. In fact, thanks to its chilly climate, local cashew production is practically nonexistent. But here’s the twist: the UK is still a major player in the global cashew nut trade—just not in the way you might expect.
In 2023, the UK imported about 24,924 metric tonnes of cashew nuts, valued at around $142.77 million. That’s a serious appetite for this creamy, protein-packed nut. The lion’s share—almost 88%—came straight from Vietnam, with smaller shares from the Netherlands, India, and Côte d’Ivoire.
On the flip side, UK exports of cashew nuts were worth a modest $6.75 million in 2023, a 34% drop from the year before. So, while exports are dipping, imports are holding strong and growing steadily, thanks to booming demand for plant-based snacks, dairy alternatives, and health-forward foods.
If you’re in the B2B trade space, it’s clear: a data-driven approach to sourcing suppliers is no longer optional—it’s essential. Platforms like Freshdi are making it easier than ever to track supplier performance, verify certification, and stay ahead of RFQ trends.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s unpack what the numbers tell us about cashew nuts in the UK:
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Production: Practically negligible. In 2024, the UK produced just 139 tons of cashew nuts, valued at only $909,000. This production is mostly for niche markets or research—definitely not commercial scale.
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Imports: This is where the UK flexes its buying power. In 2023:
- Volume: 24.9 million kilograms
- Value: $142.8 million
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Top Suppliers:
- Vietnam ($126M)
- Netherlands ($4.7M)
- India ($3.7M)
- Côte d’Ivoire ($3.2M)
- Italy ($1.5M)
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Exports: Mostly re-exports of processed cashews.
- Export value: $6.77 million in 2023
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Top destinations: Netherlands, Vietnam, Ireland
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Market Demand: The UK’s processed cashew market is set to reach $414.8 million by 2025, with a 7.5% CAGR expected through 2035. That’s not just steady growth—it’s a full-on boom.
Freshdi’s RFQ data backs this up: an increasing number of UK-based buyers are requesting bulk orders of both raw and roasted cashew nuts, particularly from certified ethical sources. That’s a clear sign that demand isn’t just growing—it’s evolving with consumer values.
Top 4 Verified Cashew Nut Suppliers in United Kingdom – Proven Export Performers
Here’s what you came for—the Top 4 Cashew Nut Suppliers in the UK for Week 26 of 2025, selected based on export performance, buyer feedback, and verified profiles on Freshdi:
- Flexi Trade Ltd.
- Specialty: Premium-grade raw and roasted cashews
- Certifications: BRC, HACCP
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Why They Stand Out: Known for consistent quality and reliable fulfillment timelines. A top-rated supplier for bulk buyers on Freshdi.
- Specialty: Organic and ethically sourced cashew nuts
- Certifications: Soil Association, Fairtrade
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Why They Stand Out: Strong sustainability credentials and transparent sourcing make them a favorite for health-focused brands.
- Specialty: Processed and flavored cashew products
- Certifications: ISO 22000, FDA-approved facilities
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Why They Stand Out: Innovation-driven, offering unique blends like chili-lime and honey-roasted cashews.
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Dynamic Spot – Freshdi’s Supplier of the Month
- Every week, Freshdi updates its dynamic rankings to highlight high-performing suppliers based on recent trade volumes, buyer ratings, and fulfillment metrics. Stay tuned to see who tops the charts next.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Let’s decode the numbers and trends shaping the UK cashew market for 2025:
📈 Export Trends
- In 2024, UK cashew exports grew for the third year in a row.
- Barbados took the lead as the top export destination (over 90% of UK cashew exports).
- Total export value remains below the 2016 peak, but the upward trend is encouraging.
📦 Demand Trends
- Import volume rose from 22.9M kg in 2020 to 24.386M kg in 2023.
- CAGR between 2018–2023: 2.62%
- By 2028, imports are forecasted to hit 26.577M kg.
💸 Price Dynamics
- Import prices surged in 2023, influenced by:
- Global supply chain disruptions
- Processing delays in Asia
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Ethical sourcing and sustainability costs
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Price per ton varies:
- India: Highest average price
- Netherlands: Lowest average price
- Ghana: Fastest price growth
🔮 Forecasts Through 2030
- Import CAGR (2024–2028): 1.36%
- UK nut sector projected to reach $121M by 2035
- Key growth drivers:
- Plant-based diets
- Convenience snacking
- Nut-based dairy alternatives
Sustainability & Innovation in the Industry
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Sustainability Matters
Africa grows over 50% of the world’s raw cashews but lacks processing infrastructure. The UK market is increasingly demanding ethically sourced and sustainably processed products. -
Processing Innovation
Automation in shelling and packaging is reducing costs and improving product quality—but adoption remains slow in many producing regions. -
Market Diversification
India still holds the crown in both production and processing (45% of global capacity), while West Africa—especially Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana—is rising fast with export growth rates of 10–12% annually.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
To sum it up, the UK cashew nut market is evolving fast. Imports are rising, exports are growing (albeit modestly), and consumer trends are reshaping the demand landscape.
For B2B buyers, this means one thing: it’s time to ditch guesswork and start sourcing smart.
Platforms like Freshdi offer real-time access to:
– Verified supplier profiles
– RFQ trends and demand signals
– Trade statistics and certifications
Whether you’re a wholesaler, distributor, or private-label brand, tapping into this kind of intelligence can give you a serious edge—especially in a market that’s as dynamic and competitive as cashew nuts.
✅ Buyer’s Checklist: Strategic Cashew Sourcing in the UK
- [ ] Prioritize suppliers with verified export performance (check Freshdi rankings)
- [ ] Review certifications like BRC, HACCP, and Fairtrade
- [ ] Monitor seasonal price trends and RFQ volumes
- [ ] Consider origin country pricing (India vs. Vietnam vs. Netherlands)
- [ ] Align sourcing with consumer trends (organic, plant-based, sustainable)
🔮 Future Outlook: What’s Next for the UK Cashew Market?
- Expect continued growth in plant-based snacks and dairy alternatives.
- Vietnam will likely remain dominant in UK imports, but West African suppliers are gaining ground.
- Tech-enabled sorting and shelling could improve global supply chain efficiency.
- Buyers will increasingly demand sustainability transparency—from farm to fork.
🌐 How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
- 📊 Real-Time Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of demand curves and pricing shifts.
- ✅ Verified Supplier Listings: No more risky suppliers—only vetted, reviewed profiles.
- 🔍 Smart RFQ Tools: Get matched with the right suppliers based on your exact needs.
- 🏆 Dynamic Rankings: Discover top-performing suppliers updated weekly.
Ready to simplify your sourcing journey? Explore Freshdi today and make every cashew count.
FAQs
1. Why does the UK import so many cashew nuts?
Because the UK’s climate isn’t suited for growing cashews, it relies heavily on imports to meet consumer demand—especially for plant-based and health-oriented products.
2. Who is the largest cashew nut supplier to the UK?
Vietnam dominates UK imports, supplying nearly 88% of all cashew nuts in 2023.
3. Are UK-based cashew suppliers reliable for global exports?
Yes, especially those verified by platforms like Freshdi. Top suppliers like Flexi Trade Ltd. and Tropicollo Ltd. consistently meet international quality and safety standards.
4. How can I track seasonal cashew prices?
Use platforms like Freshdi for real-time pricing data, supplier quotes, and trend analysis.
5. What certifications should I look for in a cashew supplier?
Look for BRC, HACCP, ISO 22000, and Fairtrade certifications to ensure quality and ethical sourcing.
