Cashew is a slow-spreading, evergreen, tropical tree which grows pretty big if left un-tended. A South American native, the cashew reached the Indian soil through the hands of Portuguese, four centuries ago. It found this soil more suitable to grow and flourish. Today it is cultivated all over Tropical Asia, Africa and South America. India is the largest producer and processor of cashews. Indian processed cashews dominate more than half the world cashew market. Procure it from its master exporters in India.

Raw Cashewnut (Anacardium Occidentale) is the only raw material for the Cashew Industry. The cashew nut has within itself a whole kernel. This delicate kernel is covered by a membrane and a thick outer shell which effectively protects the kernel from the ravages of nature from the time of harvesting to processing. In its raw form, the cashew kernel is soft, white and meaty. When roasted, it changes color and taste. The color changes from a creamy white into a golden hue and the mellow pulp turns crisp. Salted, it appeals to the palate as the most delicious nut.

Now, nearly 80 percent of this industry in India is centered in and around Kollam in Kerala. Members of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, who are manufacturers and exports of cashew kernels are the major sources for cashews from India. There are regular shipping facilities from India to all ports of the world. Major shipments from India take place through Cochin port. Regular services of container ships are available from India ports on India-USA, India-UK/continent, India-Australia, India-Japan, India-Middle East and India-Singapore routes.