India is the world’s second-largest processor and consumer of raw cashew nuts (RCN), importing more than 1.3 million metric tons annually. With a vibrant domestic market and a strong re-export base, India offers unmatched advantages to global RCN buyers and processors looking for bulk procurement, grade variety, and trade-ready logistics.

This complete sourcing guide helps you understand where and how to buy raw cashew nuts in India, evaluate RCN suppliers, compare grades like W320 cashew nuts, and partner with a reliable RCN sourcing agent in India and leading RCN suppliers India like Higgsmond.

Why India Is the Go-To Market for RCN Buyers

• Largest importer of raw cashew nuts, mainly from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, and Tanzania.
• Established processing clusters in Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• Widest range of kernel grades (W180, W240, W320, splits, broken).
• Strong domestic and export demand for value-added cashew products.
• Duty reductions & government support for importers and processors.

India is home to numerous cashew nut wholesalers, RCN importers and exporters, and bulk RCN suppliers, making it a strategic hub for buyers worldwide.

Key Raw Cashew Nut Grades Popular in India and Comparison

Grade Name	Nuts per Pound	Description	Common Uses
W180	160–180	“King of Cashews” – largest size	Premium snacks, export-grade
W240	220–240	Bold, creamy nuts	Roasted nuts, packed dry fruits
W320	300–320	Most popular & cost-efficient	B2B snack industry, retail blends
W450	400–450	Smaller size, good value	Blended products, price-sensitive buyers
Broken/Splits	—	Halves, pieces, bits	Cooking, bakery, confectionery use

Where Do India’s Cashew Processors Source RCN From?

India imports raw cashew nuts primarily from the following Top African suppliers for raw cashew:

• Côte d’Ivoire – largest supplier; offers large-sized RCN with high kernel outturn ratio.
• Benin & Ghana – moderate-size nuts, consistent supply.
• Tanzania – high oil content, premium flavor.
• Guinea-Bissau – niche volumes, good for specific grades.

How to Evaluate RCN Quality Before Buying

1. Nut Count (Nuts per kg or per lb)

This indicates the size of the nuts, directly impacting the grade (W180, W240, W320, etc.) and price.

• Premium Size: 170–180 nuts/lb (W180)
• Common Commercial Grade: 300–320 nuts/lb (W320)
• Higher nut count → Smaller size → Lower price

2. Moisture Content

Excess moisture leads to fungal growth, poor shelf life, and degraded kernels.

• Ideal Range: ≤ 10%
• Tested Using: Infrared moisture meters or oven-dry methods

3. Outturn Ratio (KOR – Kernel Output Ratio)

The most critical commercial factor for RCN evaluation.

• High Quality: ≥ 48 lbs of kernel per 80 kg bag
• Average Quality: 44–47 lbs
• Low Quality: < 44 lbs
• Higher KOR = Better profitability for processors

4. Defect Rate & Visual Inspection

RCN lots should be examined for:

• Broken shells
• Immature or underdeveloped nuts
• Presence of mold or insect damage
• Black spotting or rot

A high defect percentage reduces the effective kernel recovery and affects processing costs and profitability

5. Foreign Matter / Impurities

Includes stones, dust, twigs, or husk—especially in unsorted farm-gate RCN.

• Acceptable Limit: < 1–2% by weight

6. Float Test (Quick Water Test)

Drop a sample of RCN into water:

• Sinking nuts = higher kernel density → better quality
• Floating nuts = low kernel mass or high shell content

7. Shell Hardness & Oil Content

Tough shells with high cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) are desirable for by-product recovery.

• Hard shells → lower processing loss
• CNSL-rich shells → added revenue for industrial oil extraction

8. Origin Traceability & Grade Certificates

• Ensure proper documentation: phytosanitary certificate, KOR test report, APEDA/FSSAI license (if importing into India).
• Check if the consignment aligns with Indian import quality norms for RCN.

Quick Tips for RCN Buyers in India:

• Always request a pre-shipment sample and lab test report.
• Partner with suppliers who offer KOR and nut count verified lots.
• For bulk buyers of W320 or W240 RCN, make sure to ask for grade breakdowns with statistical sampling.

Logistics & Sourcing: What Makes India Ideal for Bulk RCN Buyers

• Strategic port cities like Tuticorin, Mangalore, Kochi, and Mumbai streamline RCN handling.
• Dry containerization and FSSAI-compliant cold storage available for imported RCN.
• High availability of shelling and grading facilities ensures faster turnaround.

Why Partner with trusted commodity trading company for RCN procurement in India over a RCN sourcing agent?

Whether you are a cashew processor, exporter, or bulk buyer, reputed RCN importers / suppliers like Higgsmond delivers unmatched value through

✔ Trusted Supplier Network : Direct access to premium RCN lots from India and Africa, tested for moisture, KOR, and size.

✔ EXIM Logistics & Compliance : Support for customs clearance, warehousing, APEDA/FSSAI documentation, and buyer protection.

✔ Competitive Bulk Pricing : Advantageous sourcing from major RCN ports—without middlemen or inflated markups.

✔ Buyer-Specific Sourcing : Custom procurement for specific RCN grades like W320, W240, broken, or raw CNSL-rich lots.

Who Can Buy RCN from India through Higgsmond?

• Cashew Kernel Processors looking to scale up production.
• Snack & Confectionery Brands wanting consistent quality.
• Agri-Commodity Traders sourcing for resale or export.
• International RCN Importers seeking reliable partners for Indian and African RCN.

Final Thoughts

India remains the most dynamic and reliable market for RCN buyers worldwide, offering quality, scale, and variety. Whether you seek premium grades like W180, cost-effective W320, or are looking to expand your procurement footprint, sourcing from India gives your cashew business a strategic edge.

With Higgsmond as your sourcing partner, you not only gain access to the best raw cashew nut deals in India, but also enjoy seamless logistics, transparent pricing, and compliance-backed trade support.

Are you a RCN bulk sourcing company India and ready to Source Premium RCN in India?

Contact Higgsmond one of a leading RCN suppliers India for custom quotes, grade specifications, and end-to-end bulk sourcing of raw cashew nuts from Tuticorin port which is a best place to buy raw cashew nuts.