Cashew Export Promotion Council of India - Driving India's Cashew Export Growth

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) plays a vital role in driving India's cashew export growth. Established in 1955, CEPCI has been instrumental in promoting India's cashew exports, which have become a significant contributor to the country's foreign exchange earnings.

CEPCI's efforts have helped increase India's cashew exports from 1,500 tons in 1955 to over 2.5 lakh tons in 2020. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the council's effective marketing strategies and its commitment to improving the quality of Indian cashews.

One of the key initiatives of CEPCI is to provide training and technical support to cashew processors and exporters. This has helped improve the quality of Indian cashews, making them more competitive in the global market.

CEPC, short for Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, is sponsored by the Government of India.

The institute is located at Cashew Bhavan, Mundakkal, Kollam-691 001, Kerala, India.

CEPC has a well-defined organizational setup that enables it to function effectively.

The institute's mandate is to promote the cashew industry in India.

CEPC is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, as outlined in its Quality Policy.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India offers three types of membership to exporters, merchants, and manufacturer exporters of cashew in India.

Associate membership is available to individuals, companies, co-operative societies, and corporations involved in the production, processing, trading, or conversion of cashew and related products.

Ordinary membership is open to any firm or individual that meets the council's criteria, including a minimum export requirement.

Supporting membership is also an option, with categories for brokers, quality inspection agencies, shipping lines, custom house agents, and surveyors. To be eligible, these members must have handled at least 30MT equivalent cashew products per year.

The fee for Associate membership is ₹10,620 (including 18% GST), while Ordinary membership costs ₹33,630 (including 18% GST). The annual membership fee for supporting members is ₹20,000 + 18% GST.

Here's a breakdown of the fees for Associate and Ordinary membership:

The CEPCI membership is valid for 31st of April each year, and members are required to renew their membership annually to continue exports.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) offers various forms of assistance to registered exporters to help them enhance their processing techniques, packaging standards, and overall product quality for cashew and allied products.

CEPCI provides financial and technical support for upgrading cashew processing units with modern equipment and technology, helping to improve competitiveness in international markets.

These support schemes aim to ensure compliance with global quality and safety standards, including obtaining recognized quality certifications and implementing food safety systems such as HACCP, ISO, FSSAI, and others.

CEPCI's assistance in obtaining quality certifications and implementing food safety systems is a huge help to exporters, giving them a competitive edge in the global market.

The key areas of assistance provided by CEPCI include process mechanization and automation, and quality upgradation and food safety certifications.

Quality and Standards is a top priority for the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India, or CEPCI. They've established comprehensive quality standards that align with international requirements while considering the unique characteristics of Indian cashew products.

These standards cover various aspects of cashew processing, from raw material selection to final product packaging. This ensures consistency and quality across the industry.

CEPCI operates sophisticated laboratory facilities for quality testing and provides technical guidance to processors for maintaining quality standards. Regular monitoring and certification of processing units are also a key part of their quality control measures.

The council's efforts in quality control have significantly enhanced the reputation of Indian cashew products in international markets, leading to increased acceptance and premium pricing for quality-certified products.

CEPCI continuously works to strengthen India's presence in established markets while exploring opportunities in new regions.

The council identifies potential growth markets through market research and analysis, and helps exporters understand specific market requirements and preferences.

CEPCI organizes buyer-seller meets, participates in international food fairs, and facilitates direct business interactions between Indian exporters and foreign buyers.

These initiatives have helped create strong market linkages and establish long-term business relationships.

The historical evolution of India's cashew export industry is a fascinating story that spans centuries. The Portuguese traders introduced cashew trees to India's western coastal regions in the 16th century.

Initially, cashew was grown for soil conservation and afforestation, but it eventually became a valuable commercial crop. The early 20th century saw the beginning of organized cashew processing in India, particularly in Kerala and Maharashtra.

The establishment of the Cashew Export Promotion Council in 1955 marked a crucial phase in the development of India's cashew export sector. This council provided the necessary institutional framework for organizing and promoting cashew exports.

The council's formation set quality standards and facilitated market access for Indian cashew products, laying the foundation for a significant export industry.

CEPCI supports the development of value-added cashew products by promoting research on product development.

The council collaborates with research institutions and agricultural universities to improve productivity and reduce processing costs.

CEPCI identifies potential growth markets through market research and analysis, helping exporters understand specific market requirements and preferences.

The council organizes buyer-seller meets, participates in international food fairs, and facilitates direct business interactions between Indian exporters and foreign buyers.

These initiatives have helped create strong market linkages and establish long-term business relationships.

CEPCI provides guidance on export procedures, documentation, and compliance requirements, making it easier for exporters to navigate international trade regulations.

By strengthening India's presence in established markets and exploring new regions, CEPCI helps Indian cashew exporters expand their reach and increase their competitiveness.

Having an import export code from DGFT is mandatory for exporters of cashew and its allied products via air and sea.

Exporters can choose between air and sea transportation modes to export cashew and its allied products.

Air transportation is often faster but more expensive than sea transportation.

The choice between air and sea transportation depends on factors such as cost, speed, and reliability.

The biggest importers of cashew kernel from India are primarily based in the United States. In the year 2011-12, the USA imported 47,611 tonnes of cashew kernel from India.

The US is followed closely by the UAE, which imported 14,173 tonnes of cashew kernel from India in the same year. The value of these imports was Rs.1,470.47 crore and Rs.606.11 crore, respectively.

The Netherlands is another significant importer of cashew kernel from India, having imported 11,517 tonnes in 2011-12. This was valued at Rs.365.57 crore.

Japan and Saudi Arabia also imported cashew kernel from India in 2011-12, although the quantities are not specified. However, the value of these imports was Rs.237.45 crore and Rs.207.01 crore, respectively.

Here's a summary of the biggest importers of cashew kernel from India in 2011-12:

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) has been instrumental in promoting environmental responsibility in the cashew export sector. CEPCI promotes sustainable practices in cashew cultivation and processing, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and waste management systems.

One key area of focus is reducing the environmental impact of processing operations while maintaining product quality and safety standards. CEPCI achieves this by guiding the cashew export sector to adopt eco-friendly technologies and waste management systems.

The council recognizes that social sustainability is crucial for the industry's long-term success. CEPCI has been instrumental in developing guidelines for worker safety and welfare.

CEPCI encourages the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and waste management systems to reduce the environmental impact of processing operations.

The Indian cashew export sector faces significant challenges. Competition from other producing countries is a major concern.

Fluctuating raw material prices pose another challenge, affecting the industry's profitability. Labor costs and availability also remain concerns, impacting the sector's growth.

Despite these challenges, the future prospects of India's cashew export sector appear promising. Growing global demand for healthy snack options creates opportunities for market expansion.

CEPCI's efforts to promote value-added products and explore new market segments contribute to the industry's growth potential.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India has been instrumental in India's success in cashew export.

India earned Rs. 4,390 crores in 2011-12 from cashew export, with the US being the largest importer.

The council's efforts have helped India stand on top of cashew export, and it's all due to their sincere work.

CEPCI has played a transformative role in developing and promoting India's cashew export sector.

The council's comprehensive approach to industry development, focus on quality standards, and market promotion initiatives have helped establish India as a leading player in the global cashew trade.

CEPCI's continued efforts in addressing industry challenges while promoting sustainable growth ensure the sector's resilience and competitiveness.

The council's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability positions the industry well for future growth.

India's cashew export sector under CEPCI's guidance offers valuable lessons for similar export promotion initiatives in other agricultural sectors.

Institutional support, quality focus, and a market-oriented approach are essential in building a globally competitive export industry.

The goal of CEPCI is to help Indian cashew manufacturers capture foreign markets by serving as an intermediary between exporters and importers. This allows manufacturers to get the best price for their produce.

CEPCI undertakes various activities to encourage international buyers to give business to Indian cashew manufacturers. These activities include hosting global buyer-seller meets that provide assurance of quality products and timely delivery.

The US is the largest importer of Indian cashew, importing close to 47,611 tons at a value of Rs. 1,470.47 crores during 2011-12.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India has been doing a great job in promoting India's cashew export business. India is now the top exporter of cashew kernels and CNSL.

India earned a whopping Rs.4,390 crore through export of cashew kernels during 2011-12. This is a significant amount of foreign exchange for the country.

The majority of India's export quality cashew kernels are prepared in Kollam, which is a testament to the region's expertise in cashew processing. Kollam's cashew industry is thriving.

The United States of America is the biggest importer of cashew kernel from India, importing 47,611 tonnes during 2011-12 for a cost of Rs.1,470.47 crore. This is a huge market for Indian cashew exports.

United Arab Emirates stands second in kernel import, with 14,173 tonnes imported during 2011-12 for a cost of Rs.606.11 crore. This shows the growing demand for Indian cashews in the Middle East.

India is expecting a significant rise in cashew exports, with a projected growth of 120 per cent by 2020, reaching 275,000 tonnes. This is a great opportunity for cashew farmers and exporters in India.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India is responsible for promoting the export of cashews from India. One of the key areas it focuses on is identifying the biggest importers of cashew kernels from India.

The USA is the biggest importer of cashew kernels from India, with 47,611 tonnes imported in the 2011-12 financial year. This is a significant amount, and it's no surprise that the USA is a major player in the global cashew market.

The UAE is another major importer of cashew kernels from India, importing 14,173 tonnes in the 2011-12 financial year. This is a substantial amount, and it highlights the importance of the UAE as a market for Indian cashews.

Netherlands is also a significant importer of cashew kernels from India, with 11,517 tonnes imported in the 2011-12 financial year. This is a notable amount, and it demonstrates the Netherlands' importance as a market for Indian cashews.

Japan and Saudi Arabia are also among the biggest importers of cashew kernels from India, although the exact quantities are not specified in the data provided.

Here are the top importers of cashew kernels from India in 2011-12: