Raising the bar for the African cashew nut

Currently, Africa produces 55% of the world's raw cashew nuts (RCN), with 90% of this production being shipped to Asia, primarily Vietnam and India, for processing. This detour results in significant CO2 emissions and other issues in the chain for both African farmers and processors. African farmers are dependent on a few Asian buyers, creating unfavorable pricing dynamics. In Tanzania, 85% of its 240,000 MT RCN production is exported to Asia, affecting the income of around 650,000 farmers who struggle to achieve a living income.

Johnny Cashew aims to change this system by promoting local processing in Africa, particularly Tanzania, to reduce transportation by 12,000 kilometers, cutting CO2 emissions by 57%. Johnny Cashew is committed to establishing a sustainable, locally-processed cashew standard. The project focuses on three main areas:

• ensuring living incomes for farmers,
• achieving living wages for factory workers, and
• setting high standards for working conditions in the cashew processing industry.

Beneficiaries of the project include the cashew farmers and factory workers at Mama Cashew, the local processor with whom Johnny Cashew works closely together.

The envisioned impact includes creating a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable cashew supply chain. This project will not only improve the livelihoods of those involved in our chain but also hopes to set a new standard for other cashew chains in Africa. Moreover, it aligns with upcoming legislative changes in the food industry, offering a sustainable alternative to current practices.