Nigeria is one of the world's top five producers of raw cashew nuts (RCN), with annual production exceeding 200,000 metric tons. This comprehensive guide covers everything international buyers need to know about sourcing premium Nigerian cashews.
Understanding Cashew Nut Grades:
Nigerian cashew nuts are graded primarily by Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR) and nut count:
- Premium Grade: KOR 48-52 lbs, nut count 170-180/kg. Commands highest market prices. Sourced mainly from Kwara and Oyo states.
- Standard Grade: KOR 44-47 lbs, nut count 180-200/kg. The most commonly traded grade, suitable for large-scale processing.
- Commercial Grade: KOR 40-43 lbs, nut count 200-220/kg. Used primarily for domestic processing and oil extraction.
Quality Parameters International Buyers Require:
- Moisture content: maximum 10% (premium <8%)
- Nut count: 170-210 per kilogram
- Defective nuts: maximum 5%
- Foreign matter: maximum 0.5%
- Shell integrity: minimum 95% whole nuts
Kernel Classification (After Processing):
Processed kernels follow the AFI (Association of Food Industries) grading:
- W180 (King Size): 170-180 kernels per pound — most expensive
- W210: 200-210 per pound — popular premium grade
- W240: 220-240 per pound — standard export grade
- W320: 300-320 per pound — most traded globally
- W450: 400-450 per pound — economy grade
Sourcing Regions in Nigeria:
The major cashew-producing states include Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Enugu, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, and Ogun. Each region produces slightly different quality profiles:
- Kwara/Kogi: Consistently highest KOR values (46-52 lbs)
- Oyo/Ogun: Good quality, larger volume production
- Enugu/Anambra: Smaller nuts but excellent flavor profile
Harvest Calendar & Procurement:
- Pre-season (November–January): Secure supply contracts, negotiate pricing
- Early harvest (February–March): Premium quality, limited supply, highest prices
- Peak harvest (April–May): Best procurement window, competitive pricing
- Late harvest (June–July): Quality may decline, negotiate aggressively
Export Documentation Required:
- NEPC Export License
- Phytosanitary Certificate (NAQS)
- SGS/Bureau Veritas Clean Report of Findings
- Certificate of Origin
- Fumigation Certificate
- NAFDAC Export Permit
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Quality Control Best Practices:
Always insist on pre-shipment inspection by an accredited laboratory. The key tests include moisture analysis, KOR testing (standard sample of 1kg), foreign matter screening, and aflatoxin testing (particularly for EU-bound shipments where the limit is 10ppb).
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