Cashew Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Flavoured, Unflavoured) , Applications (Daily Food, Cooking, Others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Cashew Market Size

Global Cashew Market size was USD 7.86 Billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 8.42 Billion in 2025, reaching USD 14.58 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.11% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. The market is expanding rapidly due to increasing demand for healthy snacks and the rising adoption of plant-based products. Over 44% of consumers globally now prefer cashew-based snacks, while more than 38% favor Cashew as a dairy substitute in food processing. Demand continues to grow in both developed and emerging markets due to shifting dietary preferences and nutritional awareness.

The US Cashew Market is witnessing steady expansion, driven by snack innovation and demand for natural food alternatives. Nearly 57% of U.S. households include cashews in their monthly grocery list, and 34% of consumers opt for flavored cashew snacks regularly. Additionally, 29% of new vegan product launches in the U.S. incorporate cashews as a core ingredient. With growing consumer preference for clean-label products and minimally processed foods, the market in the U.S. is becoming a key contributor to global demand.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at $7.86Bn in 2024, projected to touch $8.42Bn in 2025 to $14.58Bn by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.11%.
• Growth Drivers: Over 68% of health-conscious consumers prefer cashew snacks for their nutrient-rich content and taste diversity.
• Trends: Around 29% of dairy-free products now use cashew-based ingredients, indicating a strong shift toward plant-based innovations.
• Key Players: Planters, Frito-Lay, Sahale Snacks, Emerald, Fisher & more.
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific holds 64% of the cashew market share due to dominant processing capacity, followed by Europe at 28%, North America with 26%, and Middle East & Africa contributing 21%, driven by strong production and growing local consumption.
• Challenges: Over 52% of processors face rising labor and shelling costs, impacting processing efficiency and overall margins.
• Industry Impact: Around 36% of cashew manufacturers are adopting automation to meet demand and reduce operational strain.
• Recent Developments: Nearly 31% of new launches in 2023–2024 feature cashew blends in protein bars, gourmet mixes, and dairy-free products.

The Cashew Market is evolving into a diverse, value-added segment within the global food industry. Over 46% of consumers now associate cashew consumption with health and wellness. The market is increasingly driven by the integration of cashews into functional foods, vegan dairy, and nutritional snacks. Raw nut exporters from Africa account for nearly 56% of supply, while India and Vietnam lead in processing. The cashew industry is also benefitting from investments in automation and packaging innovation, with over 22% of firms upgrading their operations to meet rising demand and enhance product differentiation in the retail sector.

Cashew Market Trends

The cashew market is witnessing a surge in global consumption, driven by the growing demand for plant-based and healthy snacking options. Over 65% of consumers now prefer snacks with health benefits, and cashew-based products are meeting this demand effectively. In terms of global supply, Africa contributes approximately 56% of the world’s raw cashew nuts, with West Africa being the dominant source. India and Vietnam collectively account for nearly 70% of cashew kernel processing, showcasing a shift in processing hubs towards Asia. Meanwhile, over 40% of cashew exports are consumed by the European Union and North America, indicating strong demand from developed economies.

In the product category, roasted and flavored cashew snacks hold a market share of over 38%, supported by rising consumer interest in ready-to-eat options. The organic cashew segment has also seen significant traction, with an estimated 22% rise in demand from retail and foodservice channels. The cashew butter segment is expanding rapidly, contributing around 12% to the total cashew-based food applications. Additionally, the adoption of cashew-based ingredients in vegan dairy alternatives has increased by more than 30%, particularly in plant-based milk and cheese substitutes. These trends highlight a dynamic and evolving cashew market shaped by changing dietary habits and value-added product innovation.

Cashew Market Dynamics

DRIVERS

Growing Health Consciousness

The rising awareness of nutrition and health is boosting demand for cashews as a protein-rich snack. Nearly 68% of health-conscious consumers prefer nuts as part of their daily intake, and cashews are increasingly chosen for their magnesium and antioxidant content. Additionally, around 35% of plant-based dieters actively include cashew products in their routines, making cashews a preferred option for healthy snacking across multiple consumer segments.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in Plant-Based Applications

The cashew market has significant growth potential in the plant-based food industry. With nearly 42% of consumers shifting toward dairy-free products, cashew-based milk and cheese alternatives are gaining popularity. More than 29% of vegan food manufacturers are incorporating cashews in their new product lines. This expansion is expected to unlock new opportunities across bakery, confectionery, and dairy replacement sectors, supporting broader adoption and innovation in cashew applications globally.

RESTRAINTS

"Supply Chain Fluctuations"

Cashew supply chains face disruptions due to inconsistent raw nut quality and seasonal harvesting cycles. Around 47% of processors report challenges with maintaining consistent kernel size and grade. Furthermore, over 32% of cashew exporters face delays due to logistics inefficiencies in producing regions. These disruptions lead to longer lead times and irregular availability of processed cashew products. Additionally, nearly 28% of manufacturers face increased operational burden due to dependency on manual shelling labor, impacting overall throughput and market responsiveness.

CHALLENGE

"Rising Costs and Processing Complexities"

Cashew processing involves high manual labor intensity, especially during shelling and peeling. About 52% of the total processing cost is attributed to labor, making it highly susceptible to wage inflation. In developing regions, up to 39% of processors struggle with automation adoption due to infrastructure limitations. Also, more than 26% of producers highlight the challenge of handling toxic cashew nut shells, which requires safe disposal procedures. These rising operational complexities are impacting scalability and price competitiveness in emerging markets.

Segmentation Analysis

The cashew market is segmented based on type and application, with each segment reflecting unique consumption and processing patterns. In the type segment, flavoured cashews have gained momentum with growing demand for value-added snacks, while unflavoured variants dominate traditional consumption. By application, daily food and cooking segments drive the majority of demand, with new consumption formats emerging under the "others" category, including energy bars, cashew cheese, and beverages. This segmentation showcases diversification in both consumer preferences and industrial usage, making it vital for stakeholders to align their offerings with dynamic demand trends.

By Type

• Flavoured: Flavoured cashews hold approximately 38% of the total type-based market share. Demand is driven by spiced, sweetened, and herb-coated varieties. Nearly 44% of millennials prefer flavoured nuts as on-the-go snacks, and the availability of options like honey roasted and chili lime contributes to growing popularity in urban centers.
• Unflavoured: Unflavoured cashews account for about 62% of market share, with high preference in cooking and direct consumption. Around 51% of consumers in Asia-Pacific and Africa prefer unflavoured cashews for traditional recipes and nutrient-dense intake. These are also widely used in bulk purchases and foodservice industries.

By Application

• Daily Food: Daily food consumption contributes nearly 46% to the total application segment. Cashews are widely used as standalone snacks or in mixed dry fruit packs. Around 57% of urban households consume cashews regularly, indicating strong demand in household grocery baskets.
• Cooking: Cooking applications represent close to 36% of the market. Cashews are used in gravies, desserts, and dairy alternatives. Approximately 41% of chefs and homemakers include cashews in traditional cuisines, particularly in regions like India and the Middle East.
• Others: The “Others” category holds around 18% of application share and includes energy bars, cashew milk, cashew-based cheeses, and cosmetic use. About 33% of vegan product manufacturers use cashew as a core ingredient in dairy-alternative innovations.

Regional Outlook

The regional outlook of the cashew market reveals dominance by Asia-Pacific in processing, while Africa leads in raw nut production. North America and Europe drive significant end-consumer demand, influenced by rising trends in plant-based nutrition and healthy snacking. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa region reflects high domestic consumption supported by traditional food practices and strong trade ties. Regional disparities in production, processing technology, and consumption preferences make the cashew market highly dynamic and regionally segmented.

North America

North America accounts for around 26% of global cashew consumption, driven by the rising demand for plant-based diets. Nearly 58% of consumers in the U.S. prefer cashews over other nuts due to their texture and nutritional benefits. Roasted and flavored variants are particularly popular, representing about 42% of total cashew sales in this region. Retail channels contribute to over 63% of the distribution, with growing online sales supporting the segment expansion. Product innovation and health trends fuel sustained demand across all demographics.

Europe

Europe contributes close to 28% of global cashew demand, with Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands as leading importers. Over 49% of European consumers include nuts in their weekly diets, with cashews being among the top three choices. Organic and fair-trade certified cashews are in high demand, accounting for nearly 22% of retail shelf space. About 37% of food manufacturers in Europe use cashew derivatives in desserts and snack bars. Sustainability-focused supply chains and clean-label trends shape the regional outlook significantly.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates cashew processing, with nearly 64% of global kernels produced in countries like India and Vietnam. The region sees about 53% domestic consumption of unflavoured cashews, mostly used in home-cooked meals and confectionery. Flavoured cashew snacks are growing at a steady pace, making up 24% of new product launches in the snack category. The region’s cost-effective labor and established trade networks drive high export volumes, supporting robust growth in both B2B and retail channels.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region accounts for approximately 21% of global raw cashew nut production. West Africa alone contributes over 43% to the raw nut supply, with Côte d’Ivoire as a primary hub. In domestic markets, nearly 39% of households regularly consume cashews as part of daily meals or ceremonial dishes. Local processing capacities are improving, with investments in mechanized shelling rising by 28%. Regional trade policies and partnerships with Asia are key to supporting future growth in this region.

List of Key Cashew Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The cashew market is attracting significant investments across processing infrastructure, automation, and value-added product innovation. Over 34% of global investors are now focusing on mechanized shelling technology to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor dependency. Approximately 41% of cashew processing firms are investing in sustainable packaging solutions to enhance their brand positioning in environmentally conscious markets. Moreover, around 28% of players are expanding cold storage and warehousing facilities to manage seasonal supply fluctuations more effectively. Investments in organic certification and fair-trade compliance have increased by 19%, especially targeting European and North American buyers. Nearly 25% of small-scale processors are receiving funding through agri-tech incubators and government-backed subsidies aimed at modernizing cashew processing. These opportunities indicate a robust shift toward scalability, environmental sustainability, and product quality enhancement, making the cashew market highly attractive for both new entrants and established players looking to expand their portfolio.

New Products Development

New product development in the cashew market is centered around flavored snacks, plant-based alternatives, and nutraceutical innovations. Approximately 36% of new launches focus on roasted and spiced variants, with flavors such as chili lime, cinnamon sugar, and garlic herb gaining popularity among urban consumers. Cashew-based dairy alternatives have surged, with over 29% of plant-based milk products now incorporating cashews due to their creamy texture and nutrient profile. Additionally, cashew cheese and spreads represent 17% of newly formulated vegan offerings in the global specialty food segment. In the health supplements segment, about 13% of innovations include cashew protein powders and cashew-based energy bars. Moreover, more than 22% of confectionery brands are experimenting with cashew-infused chocolates and gourmet snack mixes. These innovations are reshaping consumer perception of cashews from a traditional nut to a multi-functional ingredient used across snacks, beverages, wellness, and gourmet categories, supporting long-term market growth.

Recent Developments

• Planters Launches Flavored Cashew Series: In 2023, Planters introduced a new range of flavored cashews including honey roasted, jalapeño, and BBQ variants. This product line expansion targeted younger demographics, with nearly 38% of cashew snack consumers in the U.S. responding positively to flavored nut varieties. This launch contributed to a 21% rise in the company’s flavored nut sales segment.
• Frito-Lay Expands Cashew-Based Snack Range: In early 2024, Frito-Lay added cashew protein clusters and trail mixes to its snack portfolio. These new SKUs were focused on the growing plant-based nutrition trend, with 31% of consumers preferring cashew-inclusive snacks for their protein and texture. The launch was supported by a 26% increase in supermarket shelf presence.
• Emerald Invests in Sustainable Packaging for Cashews: In mid-2023, Emerald transitioned to 100% recyclable pouches for all cashew products. This move aligned with the 42% of consumers seeking eco-friendly packaging and helped reduce the brand’s plastic footprint by 36%, further improving brand loyalty among environmentally conscious buyers.
• Sahale Snacks Introduces Gourmet Cashew Blends: In late 2023, Sahale Snacks unveiled a premium cashew blend featuring pomegranate, rosemary, and sea salt aimed at the gourmet snacking segment. Over 18% of consumers surveyed found these combinations more appealing, prompting higher purchase intent in the specialty retail segment.
• Nuts Harvest Launches Cashew Bars: In early 2024, Nuts Harvest diversified into the health and wellness category by launching cashew-based energy bars. These bars contain over 25% cashew content per unit, addressing the need for natural and clean-label snack alternatives. Initial market trials showed a 23% higher repeat purchase rate compared to traditional nut bars.

Report Coverage

This cashew market report offers a comprehensive analysis of global production, consumption patterns, processing trends, and trade dynamics. It includes segmentation based on type, application, and region, supported by factual insights. More than 60% of the report focuses on supply chain structures, sourcing hubs, and technological advancements in shelling and roasting processes. Detailed profiles of over 25 key market participants are covered, accounting for approximately 78% of the total branded market presence. The report includes over 40% content on end-user behavior, dietary trends, and consumer preferences—highlighting a surge in plant-based and organic cashew product adoption. Around 35% of the insights cover regional shifts in processing dominance, particularly in Asia-Pacific and West Africa. The study also evaluates more than 30 recent strategic developments, including product launches, sustainability initiatives, and investment activity. The coverage extends across developed and emerging regions, reflecting about 95% of the global market landscape, making it a valuable resource for stakeholders and industry strategists.