Exports (latest official India data, FY 2023–24)

• Cashew kernels (HS 080132): 65,808.42 MT | US$ 338.88 M. Top buyers: UAE, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Saudi Arabia.
  
• CNSL (cashew nut shell liquid): 3,508.18 MT | US$ 1.93 M; top buyers: China, Vietnam, Mexico, Korea (Rep.), Japan.
  Cardanol: 9,714.12 MT | US$ 7.36 M; top buyers: Vietnam, Korea (Rep.), UK, Belgium, Netherlands.
  
• India ranks #2 globally (by share) in exports of shelled cashew nuts and is also a major importer of in-shell nuts for processing/re-export, reflecting its processor hub role.
  

Quality & compliance (what buyers check)

• BIS IS 7750:2013 (Cashew Kernels – Specification) sets the core Indian spec: moisture ≤ 5%, free of live insects/mould, extraneous veg. matter ≤ 1%, fat acidity ≤ 1.25% (as oleic acid); graded by internationally recognized counts (e.g., W-180, W-210, W-240, W-320, W-450 with count/500 g).
  
• Grades example (IS 7750): White wholes W-320 = 330–350 kernels/500 g, W-240 = 240–265/500 g; similar “scorched” and “pieces” grades are defined, with max broken/next-lower-grade allowances.
  
• EU contaminant limits apply for exports to Europe: the recast Reg. (EU) 2023/915 sets max levels for contaminants (e.g., aflatoxins in tree nuts; limits vary by use — ready-to-eat vs. for further processing — and must be checked against the annex tables), and cadmium max for tree nuts (incl. cashew) 0.20 mg/kg wet weight. Some metals (e.g., nickel) have specific limits, too.
  
• Indian grading (AGMARK) for raw nuts and legacy BIS/AGMARK rules remain useful references for procurement/packing, alongside buyer specs.
  

Why India / regional strengths

• Processing ecosystem: India pioneered hand-skill processing (high whole-kernel yields), with clusters historically in Kollam (Kerala), Mangaluru (Karnataka), Goa, Vettapalem/Palasa (Andhra Pradesh)—now spread across many states. This cluster depth underpins consistent grading/packing and quick scale-up.
  
• Supply & geography: Cashew was introduced in India in the 16th c. (Portuguese, via Goa) and is now widely grown; APEDA lists major producing states on both coasts (Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka; TN, Andhra, Odisha, West Bengal, plus NE & A&N).
  
• By-product leadership: India also exports CNSL/Cardanol (key industrial resins), adding margin beyond kernels.
  

What to put in a buyer pack (cashew)

• Quote BIS IS 7750:2013 grade + moisture & defects; add COA with moisture, aflatoxin, metals, pesticide residues (per destination; EU 2023/915), and packing details (vacuum/tins, nitrogen flush).
  

Feni (Cashew & Coconut) — Goa

Identity, protection & law

• GI-registered “Feni” (Application No. 120, Class 33). The official GI listing confirms Feni as Goa’s origin spirit.
  
• Goa legally designated Feni as a “Heritage Spirit” (2016) via excise amendments—useful for branding and policy support.
  
• Goa’s Feni Policy (published in Official Gazette, 19 Aug 2021; released publicly as “Feni Policy 2020/2021”) codifies process & product specs, GI logo/hologram use, certification and ABV. It defines Feni as spirit distilled from fermented cashew apple juice or coconut toddy, within Goa.
  

Process & quality (from the official policy)

• ABV / strength: Feni bottled at 40–45.5% v/v; Urrac (first-run spirit) 23–30% v/v; matured Feni = ≥ 1 year wood cask.
  
• Traditional method terms: Kolmbi (stone basin) stomping of ripe cashew apples; fermentation in kodem; pot-still (bhann) distillation with nalli to the condenser (lavnni); process certification is mandated for GI Feni.
  
• Bottling & labelling: GI Feni requires GI hologram & logo, process/product certification, and is limited to glass for GI-labelled product.
  

Exports & market access

• Feni shipments classify under HS 2208 (spirits). While no separate, public DGCI&S figure exists for “Feni” exports (it’s aggregated within 2208), Goa has actively framed policy, GI enforcement and branding to support exports; commercial attempts/announcements exist but volumes are niche relative to whisky/rum.
  
• Practical compliance: exporters must meet destination alcohol rules (labelling, ABV, additives, contaminants) in addition to India’s excise & FSSAI/FDA testing referenced in the policy.
  

Why India/Goa (specific strengths)

• Uniqueness of raw material & process: Cashew-fruit distillate (not the nut) and coconut-toddy distillate traditions are place-tied to Goa; the GI + “Heritage Spirit” status formalize that terroir/process link.
  
• Codified traditional craft: The state policy preserves/stipulates traditional operations (e.g., stomping, pot stills, defined ABV, maturation), giving buyers a documented, auditable spec.
  

Quick reference

Cashew (kernels) — FY 2023–24 India exports: 65,808.42 MT; US$ 338.88 M; key markets: UAE, Japan, NL, Spain, KSA. By-products: CNSL 3,508 MT | US$ 1.93 M; Cardanol 9,714 MT | US$ 7.36 M.
Cashew quality (BIS IS 7750:2013): Moisture ≤ 5%; acidity (as oleic) ≤ 1.25%; extraneous veg. matter ≤ 1%; grades W-180/W-210/W-240/W-320/W-450 with count/500 g.
EU compliance pointer: Reg. (EU) 2023/915 (aflatoxins, heavy metals incl. Cd 0.20 mg/kg for tree nuts; specific metals like Ni also regulated). Check the current consolidated annex when booking to EU.
Feni (Goa): GI-registered (App. No. 120, Class 33); “Heritage Spirit” (2016); ABV 40–45.5%; GI Feni requires process + product certification & GI logo/hologram. HS 2208 for export classification.

How to use this

• For Cashew buyer sheets: list IS 7750 grade, COA, and destination-specific contaminant limits per EU 2023/915 (if Europe); add APEDA FY24 numbers + top destinations for credibility.
  
• For Feni: quote GI Application No. 120, Heritage Spirit (2016), ABV 40–45.5%, and excerpts from Goa’s Feni Policy (process terms + certification) in the brand deck; classify under HS 2208 for customs.