Market Trends of Germany Cashew Industry
Rising Cashew Consumption Drives Import Growth
Germany is Europe's second-largest importer of cashew nuts, accounting for 53% of the imported cashews circulated within the region. The major exporters of cashew nuts to Germany include Vietnam, India, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and the Netherlands. Import demand for cashews is increasing due to growing awareness of their health benefits among consumers. Cashews are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and serve as a good source of protein. According to the ITC Trade Map, in 2023, Germany imported 67,794 metric tons of cashews, a 13% increase from the previous year's volume of 59,977 metric tons.
Furthermore, the country's cashew import market is highly concentrated, with 64.2% of all its cashew nuts sourced from Vietnam (43,575 metric tons in 2023), followed by the Netherlands with a 13% share. German consumers use these imported cashews as a versatile ingredient in various plant-based dishes, including vegan cheese and cashew milk, contributing to the growth of the cashew market in Germany. The strong dependence on imports from Vietnam and India is primarily due to the lack of processing capacities for shelling in other growing regions. With increasing demand for cashews from the food industry, imports are expected to rise in the coming years.
Re-exports are Propelling the Market
Germany's central European location establishes it as a key hub for cashew distribution across various markets. The country's sophisticated transportation infrastructure, encompassing ports, railways, and highways, enables efficient cashew movement. In Hamburg, specialized traders and agents conduct cashew re-export activities. Germany's significant cashew re-exports to France and Luxembourg are primarily attributed to these countries' processing capabilities, including roasting and shelling. Many cashews are processed and packaged for the German retail market in Luxembourg before returning to Germany.
According to the ITC Trade Map, Germany exported 24,931 metric tons of cashews in 2023, a 28.7% increase from the previous year. This export growth is largely due to increased demand from France, which has surpassed Luxembourg as Germany's primary cashew importer. In 2023, France imported 3,397 metric tons of cashews from Germany, moving from second to first position in import volume from Germany. The country's strategic location, robust logistics network, and growing demand from neighboring European countries are driving market growth during the studied period.
