Finding the Best Raw Cashew Suppliers in Tanzania: What You Need to Know

Tanzania has rapidly become one of the leading producers and exporters of raw cashew nuts (RCNs) in Africa. With fertile soil, favorable climate, and increasing investment in agricultural infrastructure, the country is positioned as a key player in the global cashew market. For importers, wholesalers, and processors, sourcing raw cashews from Tanzania offers an excellent opportunitybut navigating the supplier landscape requires knowledge and due diligence.

In this article, well guide you through the essential aspects of finding reliable raw cashew suppliers in Tanzania, from understanding the supply chain to identifying reputable exporters.

1. Why Tanzania? A Growing Cashew Powerhouse

Tanzania ranks among the top five cashew producers globally. The majority of its cashew production comes from the southern regions, such as Mtwara, Lindi, and Ruvuma, where smallholder farmers cultivate the crop under rain-fed conditions. In recent years, the Tanzanian government has introduced reforms to improve quality control, traceability, and fair trade, making it easier and safer for foreign buyers to source directly from the country.

Key facts:

• Annual production: Over 250,000 metric tons of RCNs

• Export destinations: India, Vietnam, the UAE, and Europe

• Main harvest season: October to January

2. Understanding the Cashew Supply Chain in Tanzania

The Tanzanian cashew industry is organized through a Warehouse Receipt System (WRS). This government-regulated model ensures that raw cashews are sold through auctions, usually overseen by cooperative unions. Exporters and international buyers often engage with:

• Licensed Buying Agents (LBAs)

• Processors

• Export companies

• Government-approved auction participants

Understanding this model is critical to accessing quality nuts and avoiding middlemen that may inflate prices or misrepresent product quality.

3. Criteria for Selecting the Best Cashew Suppliers

To ensure consistency, transparency, and high quality, here are the main criteria to consider when choosing a Tanzanian raw cashew supplier:

Licensing and Certification

Always work with suppliers who are:

• Registered with the Tanzania Cashew Board

• Licensed exporters with valid business registration and export permits

• Compliant with phytosanitary and quality control standards

Product Quality

Check for:

• Outturn ratio (commonly 4852 lbs per 80 kg bag)

• Moisture content (should be under 10%)

• Foreign matter and defective nut ratio

• Adherence to international grading standards

Reputation and References

• Look for track records of successful exports

• Ask for client references or trade documentation

• Verify online presence (e.g., company website, trade portals, export directories)

Transparency in Pricing and Logistics

• Ensure the supplier offers clear pricing terms (FOB, CIF, etc.)

• Clarify who handles shipping, documentation, and customs clearance

• Discuss sample availability and payment terms before proceeding

4. Where to Find Trusted Suppliers

To start your search, explore the following platforms and methods:

• Tanzania Cashew Board (CBT) Official lists of licensed buyers/exporters

• Trade shows Such as the Africa Cashew Alliance Conference

• Online B2B platforms Alibaba, Tradekey, and Go4WorldBusiness

• Local sourcing agents Who can verify farms and warehouses in person

Pro tip: Consider a site visit or third-party inspection before finalizing large orders to validate warehouse practices and stock quality.

5. Navigating Risks and Challenges

While Tanzania offers ample opportunity, be aware of the following challenges:

• Seasonal availability: Plan ahead to secure orders during peak season

• Bureaucratic delays: Shipping and customs can experience occasional slowdowns

• Currency and payment risks: Use Letters of Credit (LCs) or escrow services for financial protection

Conclusion

Sourcing raw cashew nuts from Tanzania can be highly profitable if approached with care and due diligence. By understanding the local supply chain, vetting suppliers carefully, and following best practices for international trade, buyers can tap into a thriving market known for both quality and volume.

Whether you're an importer looking to expand your product line or a processor seeking a new origin for RCNs, Tanzania offers a compelling and sustainable source of raw cashews.