The 4th World Cashew Convention and Exhibition took place in Macau, China, on February 1-3, 2018, in association with the INC. The event welcomed 475 participants from 38 countries to discuss about global RCN market dynamics, quality standards, the kernel market, by-products, sector development in Africa and women’s empowerment.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients1, found that cashews have 16% fewer calories than previously thought because of lower digestible energy in cashews. Based on this finding, a leading US snack-bar which uses cashews has been able to update its nutrition labels.

The INC has updated the 2018/19 crop and production forecasts for almonds, Amazonia (Brazil) nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, dates, dried apricots, dried figs, dried cranberries, prunes and dried grapes (raisins, Sultanas and currants).

Cashews are quite a versatile product as there are many ways that it can be consumed, and it is greatly appreciated in many parts of the globe. With its creamy texture, it can be enjoyed alone as a snack, or it can be added to sweet dishes, just as well as to savory ones. It can also serve as an alternative to many dairy products making it perfect for a vegan or plant-based diet. As more focus is put on switching to a plant-based diet, companies will without a doubt look to the cashew as a product with many innovative opportunities.