Cashew expert and Director of Nuts2, Kees Blokland, has emphasized the importance of quality and commitment in the growth of Africa’s cashew processing subsector. Speaking at the African Cashew Alliance (ACA)’s Global Markets Encounter, he highlighted that if African processors focus on processing quality kernels and remain committed to fulfilling supply contracts, it will propel the industry to greater heights.
Mr. Blokland commended African processors for their excellent job in terms of kernel quality but stressed that they need to stay committed to agreements with buyers and avoid delaying shipments to increase their credibility in the kernel market and expand their market share. He advised African processors to have a ready market for all processed products.
The European Union is strengthening existing laws on food safety to protect consumers, with sustainability and traceability becoming major subjects of discussion in cashew processing. Mr. Blokland believes that these new laws will promote cashew processing in Africa, and processors need to be consistent in delivering quality to capitalize on this opportunity.
African cashew production has consistently accounted for 60% of the world’s cashews in the past two decades, but local processing remains low. Experts believe that Africa’s strategic advantage in cashew production, quality, traceability, and sustainability, combined with its geographical proximity to Europe and America, can increase local cashew processing and create more jobs with the right policy environment and investment.
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