Introduction – Current State of Play: The Cashew Nuts Sector in Portugal
As of July 2025, Portugal’s cashew nut market is riding a wave of significant change. If you’re in the B2B food industry or sourcing nuts for manufacturing, retail, or distribution, you’ll want to pay close attention. Multiple global and regional factors are reshaping how cashew nuts are sourced, priced, and consumed in Portugal.
Let’s break it down. First, producing countries like Tanzania, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin have rolled out new regulations that are shaking up global supply chains. Tanzania now requires all trade to go through its Mercantile Exchange, adding a 3% transaction fee and causing shipment delays. Ghana is cracking down on cross-border movement of raw cashews, and Côte d’Ivoire raised minimum prices for farmers, increasing costs for buyers. Benin, meanwhile, has banned raw nut exports entirely from April 2025 to boost local processing.
On the European side, things are moving too. The EU cashew market is growing modestly, with Portugal standing out as a key consumer. In 2024, Portugal alone accounted for 25% of EU’s cashew nut consumption — second only to the Netherlands.
Add to that supply chain issues like container shortages and freight cost spikes, and it’s clear: this isn’t business as usual.
What’s driving demand? Health. More and more people are reaching for nutritious snacks and plant-based alternatives. Cashews are popping up in everything — from vegan cheeses to cashew milk.
In this fast-moving environment, staying agile isn’t just smart — it’s survival. Tools like Freshdi, a B2B sourcing platform, are becoming essential. They help buyers track supplier reliability, market trends, and RFQ activity in real-time.
Let’s explore what’s moving the market — and who the top suppliers are in Portugal right now.
Deep Dive – Market Movers: Recent Developments and Consequences
Portugal’s Growing Appetite for Cashews
Portugal is punching well above its weight in cashew consumption. In 2024, the country consumed 682 tons of cashews — that’s a quarter of all cashews eaten in the EU. With steady growth projected through 2035, Portugal is set to be a long-term player in the European cashew space.
Production Shifts and Weather Realities
Globally, cashew production is bouncing back in 2025 after a slight dip in 2024. Favorable weather and government investments in countries like Côte d’Ivoire — which now produces over 1.25 million tons — are fueling the recovery. But not everything is smooth sailing. Disruptions in shipping and rising freight costs are jacking up prices and causing delays.
Processing Powerhouses and Regulatory Twists
Vietnam continues to dominate in processing, even though it doesn’t grow the most. It processes two-thirds of global exports, thanks to its massive shelling infrastructure. Back in Africa, countries like Côte d’Ivoire are investing in local processing to boost value and sustainability.
On the flip side, new regulations — like Tanzania’s TMX requirement and Benin’s export ban — are creating bottlenecks. These changes mean that Portuguese importers must rethink sourcing strategies and stay flexible.
Consumers Want Health, Sustainability, and Transparency
Cashews are increasingly being used in health-conscious products — think protein bars, plant-based yogurts, and vegan cheeses. European buyers, including in Portugal, are also demanding ethical sourcing and traceable supply chains. Certifications are no longer a bonus — they’re a necessity.
Top 6 Verified Cashew Nuts Suppliers in Portugal – Navigating Current Market Realities
Looking for reliable cashew nut suppliers in Portugal in July 2025? Based on supplier performance, export capacity, certifications, and positive feedback from Freshdi users, here are the top providers:
1. G Oliveira & C Santos LDA
- Location: Portugal
- Why They Stand Out: Known for high-quality cashew sourcing and international trade strength, G Oliveira & C Santos LDA has built a solid reputation in Europe.
- Certifications: ISO 22000, HACCP-compliant
- Product Range: Whole, broken, roasted, and flavored cashew nuts
- Freshdi Insights: Frequently ranked among the top suppliers based on RFQ volumes and positive buyer reviews.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings may shift based on recent purchases, seasonal offers, and verified buyer feedback. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update their “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” to reflect current market dynamics.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to the Current Cashew Nuts Landscape in Portugal
Opportunities to Seize Right Now
Portugal is ripe for innovation in the cashew segment, especially with the plant-based movement in full swing. If you’re a business looking to expand your product line, think beyond snack packs — cashew-based milk, yogurt, and cheese are hot commodities.
Consumers are also leaning heavily into ethically sourced products. This is your chance to build trust and brand loyalty by choosing suppliers with traceable and sustainable practices.
Challenges You Can’t Ignore
Let’s be real — price volatility is a huge concern. Global events, climate shifts, and policy changes are swinging prices all over the place. If you’re not hedging or diversifying your sourcing, you’re taking a big risk.
Then there’s logistics. Supply chain disruptions, especially from African and Asian exporters, are causing delays and pushing up costs. And don’t forget compliance — the EU isn’t messing around with food safety regulations. One misstep on pesticide or microbiological standards can block your shipment.
Smart Sourcing Strategies for 2025
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Diversify Your Sources: Don’t rely on just one country or supplier. Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire, and India each offer different strengths and risks.
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Go Direct: Building relationships with producers helps ensure quality and gives you more control over traceability and ethical standards.
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Support Local Processing: Partnering with processors in producing countries not only supports sustainability but also improves product consistency and reduces logistics nightmares.
Short-Term Outlook
The global market is growing steadily, and Portugal is a key part of that. But the road ahead is full of twists — from new African export rules to consumer demands for cleaner labels. Businesses that stay informed and adapt quickly will win.
And here’s a pro tip: platforms like Freshdi are your best friend. They give you real-time RFQ trends, alerts on global supply shifts, and access to verified suppliers who are already navigating these challenges.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market
To wrap it all up, if you’re sourcing cashew nuts in Portugal right now, here’s what you need to know:
- Global Shake-Up: New trade rules in Tanzania, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin are increasing costs and slowing down shipments.
- Portugal’s Growing Role: With 25% of EU consumption, Portugal is a major cashew player.
- Health & Sustainability Rule: Consumers want clean, plant-based, and ethically sourced products.
- Logistics Are a Wild Card: Freight costs and delays are major pain points.
- You Need Real-Time Insights: Static strategies won’t cut it. Platforms like Freshdi can help you stay ahead with verified supplier data, RFQ monitoring, and market intelligence that actually matters.
Staying ahead means staying informed. Keep your strategy flexible, build strong supplier relationships, and leverage digital tools to make smarter sourcing decisions.
Checklist for Cashew Buyers in Portugal – July 2025
- ✅ Review supplier certifications (ISO, HACCP, Fairtrade)
- ✅ Monitor global trade policy changes weekly
- ✅ Set up alerts for RFQ trends via Freshdi
- ✅ Diversify supplier base across continents
- ✅ Audit supply chain for sustainability and traceability
- ✅ Explore new product development using cashew derivatives (milk, cheese, spreads)
- ✅ Invest in packaging that highlights ethical sourcing
- ✅ Stay compliant with EU food safety regulations
Future Outlook – What to Watch
As we move into late 2025 and beyond, expect continued policy tightening in Africa, rising consumer demand for transparency, and new innovations in cashew-based food products.
Portugal will continue to play a major role in shaping EU consumption trends. Businesses that align with health, sustainability, and efficiency will thrive.
Platforms like Freshdi will play a growing role by offering:
- 🔍 Verified supplier databases
- 📊 Real-time RFQ insights
- 📦 Alerts on supply chain disruptions
- 🌍 Market expansion opportunities
FAQs
1. Why is Portugal such a big consumer of cashew nuts?
Portugal has a strong culture of healthy eating and plant-based innovation, which aligns perfectly with cashew consumption. Plus, as part of the EU, it benefits from streamlined trade access.
2. How can I find verified cashew nut suppliers in Portugal?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access vetted supplier profiles, product specs, and real-time buyer reviews.
3. What are the biggest risks when sourcing cashew nuts in 2025?
The main risks include price volatility, supply chain delays, and changing regulations in producing countries.
4. Are cashew nuts from Vietnam better than those from Africa?
Not necessarily better, but different. Vietnam is a leader in processing, while Africa, especially Côte d’Ivoire, offers high-quality raw nuts. It depends on your needs.
5. How can I future-proof my cashew nut sourcing strategy?
Diversify your suppliers, build direct relationships, and use data platforms like Freshdi to stay updated on market trends and RFQ shifts.
References
- Hectar Blog – 2025 Global Cashew Market Outlook
- IndexBox – EU Cashew Nut Market Overview
- Cardassilaris – Global Cashew Market Trends
- CBI – Cashew Nuts Market Entry
- TYXFM – Cashew Price Fluctuations
- Opinion by CropGPT – Cashew Demand and Disruptions
- Freshdi – Cashew Nuts Suppliers
