CASHEW WEEK. In the Cashew Week... A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. A Product of. Pistachio Nuts Are Known In the Middle East as Smiling Nut

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1 A Product of In the Cashew Week... Cashew Market Commentaries from Experts Indian Cashew Market Commentaries International Cashew Market Commentaries CEPCI in Gulf Food Almond Report Prices of Nuts Domestic Prices of Nuts International Prices of Nuts Currency Movement and Outlook An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Peter L Masawe, Head of Research, Regional Coordinator, NM-AIST, Tanzania at the World Cashew Convention, Feb, 2017, Singapore Pistachio Nuts Are Known In the Middle East as Smiling Nut NewsHighlights Upcoming Trade Events

2 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04,

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7 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Global Cashew Market at a Glance India New RCN arrivals started in Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra. RCN prices in the Kannur belt of Kerala traded at INR kg, declined to INR 144 per kg as of last week. In Maharashtra and Goa, new crop trades between INR 148 and 165 per kg. The least price is being traded at Ratnagiri, while the highest being traded at INR 165 in Bandha and Goa. RCN prices are expected to trade softer in the coming days. Cashew kernels prices, FOB Tuticorin for various grades witnessed mixed trend. Price for W320, W450 and SSW traded slightly higher, while it was slightly lower for SW320 and SW360 grades. In the domestic kernel markets, prices were either unchanged or quoted lower for various grades. West Africa Benin Last week, the Benin cashew industry was fairly hectic. The official launch of RCN marketing campaign got postponed for 03 March due to the delay in signing of the Ministerial Order. So it was on Friday, 03 March, the campaign was officially launched in Glazoué with a minimum farm gate price of 500 FCFA/kg RCN. The ministerial order will probably be signed in the coming weeks before the start of exports. Goods will start reaching exporters by 10th March. Price for farmer decided at FCFA 500 per kg. It is the minimum price for the farmer. Quality reported to be poor in some area. In the North, in the departments of Atacora and Donga, farm gate prices ranged 310 and 450 FCFA / kg (USD ), while in Borgou and Alibori where demand is higher, prices ranged between 400 and 590 FCFA / kg ( USD) with an average price being observed at 455 FCFA / kg. A little further south of the country, in the region of Zou and Collines, prices have increased to 450 and 550 FCFA / kg (USD ). In the department of Plateau, where the demand is strongest, farm gate prices ranged 500 and 625 FCFA / kg ( USD). Prices are expected to increase even more in the coming weeks. Cote d Ivoire In Cote d Ivoire cashew harvests as well as purchasing intensified across all centres during last week. The farm gate price across major producing centres during last week ranged from 450 to 700 FCFA per kg. Price in Bounduake is reported high at FCFA 700 per kg, where the qulaity is also reported good, which is close to the border of Burkina Faso. In Odienne, price traded in the region of FCFA 450 and 550 per kg, while in Korhago, price ranged between FCFA 500 and 650 per kg. 7

8 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Goods have started reaching exporters warehouse. Quality in some areas a suspect as lower quality noticed, but better idea will be possible, once some cargoes reach warehouse. The first shipments of cashews started to the port of Abidjan during last week. Port prices varied in the region of FCFA 500 and 600 per kg. However, lack of space at port may result in price decline, if no concrete and swift action is taken to relieve the stocks of Cocoa at the ports. Burkina Faso The cashew official ceremony was launched on Feb 28, 2017 in Banfora. The farm gate price was fixed at FCFA 600 per kg. RCN gathering is going on and the weather is favourable for good production prospects going forward. RCN price at the farm gate level varies in the region of FCFA 650 and 800 per kg based on the place and quality of the crop. Prices were on the higher end of the range in Cascades and Hauts-Bassins. Ghana In some areas, quality of RCN at the farm gate is not good. However, RCN prices continued to remain firm in the region of 5.5 and 6 GHS per kg in the Wenchi region. The price of RCN delivered to warehouses is at GHS 6.5 per kg. There are reports that ministry of trade may bring out some measures to regulate cashew exports in the coming weeks. Nigeria: In Nigeria, RCN arrivals continue to increase and the farm gate prices have also increased to N550 and N580 per kg during last week. RCN prices at traders level were in the region N580 and N600 per kg, while for deliveries to Lagos port were in excess of N650 per kg and traded as high as N700 per kg. Gambia and Senegal: RCN crop still away by 5/6 weeks. So far flowering is reported good. Weather is somewhat cold. In some areas, RCN arrivals started in thin quantities especially in the Sokone region. Guinea Bissau: Official Opening of Guinea Bissau season is scheduled for 31st March. Government has fixed a price of CFA 500/kg. Currency: Indian rupee is likely to witness rangebound move during this week ahead of crucial state assembly election results during this week end. Brazil real may weaken further as US FED more likely to hike interest rates in its meeting during next week. The central bank of Nigeria s decision to sell a total of USD million to ease to pressure on the local currency paid rich dividends with naira appreciated by close to 12 percent during last week in the parallel market. As on March 2, Naira in the parallel market traded at N458 against the USD as against N 520 traded during the previous week. Source: Cashewinfo.com 8

9 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Cashew Market Commentaries from Experts-India The arrivals are improving in the major Cashew growing areas in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra. Kerala, of course has lost its significance in volume compared to other states due to obvious reasons. During last week, the prices have shown a softening trend. In Kerala, prices have dropped from INR to INR per kg. Arrivals have started in Maharashtra with prices ruling in the region of INR 155 and INR 160 per kg. If increasing levels of mercury is any indication, the cashew season in India is unlikely to last till the mid-may. The yield is likely to drop considerably in Mid April in all centres. Like every year, shipments from Ghana have already on its way to India and Vietnam. Vietnam has taken the lead in all markets cornering the first shipments and it is reported that most of March shipments from IVC will be to Vietnam. Source: Prakash Prabhu, India Today, in Panruti, CNSL is declined to INR 21 per kilo, while cake is at around about INR 5 per kilo. Cashew shells are traded at INR 7.20 per kg and no major change is expected during this week. Source: Om Prakash Phadnis, Panruti Cashew Market Commentaries from Experts-International The harvest in West Africa is progressing with good weather conditions and arrivals are picking up. Prices have started at high levels, reflecting the overall low levels of inventory. Exporters, prepared to commit for earlier shipments are making premium prices; however, some of these contracts are written for financing purposes and some are simply speculative. Indications for overall volumes remain positive in all the main origins with even early estimates from Guinea Bissau now reflecting the overall positive picture. Internationally traded prices offered are tending to be above replacement levels, but the volume of trade reported is relatively light. Offered prices for cashew kernels remain steady, but most buyers are not active at current levels. Just as last year there seem to be one or two buyers who have not managed their cover well and are in the market regularly for spot or prompt perhaps giving an impression that buyers are supporting the current levels when in fact most are very reluctant to pay at current prices. Source: Jim Fitzpatrick Vietnam Trades were done at Usd 5.25/5.30 per lb for W240, W320 at Usd 4.55/4.65, Ws at Usd 3.55 per lb fob for Mar and April shipments. Despite delay of crop here, market continues to be stable during the week. In some parts, the first crop arrival has reached to the market, but price was too high. Packers who have the RCN are the one to sell kernels. Many offers for April- June shipments were at high prices but buyers did not pick up those offers. Only reliable packers could have contracts for April- June at reasonable prices. Fresh nuts are being traded at VND 46,000-48,000 per kg. However, arrivals are likley to gain momentum at the end of March or early April, meaning that both kernels and RCN markets are likley to remain stable till then. If crop is good, then RCN price will itself get adjusted; otherwise prices will stay higher. 9

10 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Tight supply of brokens especially the WS resulted in price increase of this grade. Good demand has been observed during the week for WS, but packers couldn t sell. Source: Mr. Kim, Khiem Nguyen Co., Ltd, Vietnam Guinea Bissau No major developments in Guinea-Bissau during last week. All the attention and action is now focused on IVC and other countries, who are earlier in the crop cycle. President of the national cashew body ANCA, Henrique Mendes, released new estimates stating that cashew exports would cross 200,000 mt this season, as compared to 192,000 mt exported in Source: John Rao, Bijagos Comerciais S.a.r.l. The market of cashewnut kernels remains tight. Spot stocks in European and US warehouses are very limited and the price continued to remain firm. Supply: processors are reluctant to buy RCN without selling kernels as most players in the cashewnut market are still convinced that the prices of kernels will come down when the supply of RCN will flood the markets. This is keeping the market of kernels short. Prices of RCN in West Africa are very firm, as there is limited stock available (as it is still early in the season) and a lot of buyers try to buy for their immediate shipment (and fast processing). Farm gate prices are at all record highs, and this bodes for a very difficult season since a price decrease during the season may cause total mayhem in the market. Those procured RCN will be shipped shortly from West Africa to India and Vietnam for processing. This will take approx. 4-6 weeks, i.e. available for processing during middle of April/early May onwards. The kernels out of those RCN will be available for shipment during June 2017 from India and Vietnam to be available in the US and European market during July and August. Processors are forced to buy at the current firm prices and cannot sell at a discount to today s kernel prices without taking a loss! So it is becoming a chicken and egg story: - Will the farmers/traders lower their prices first (most obviously will not happen shortly)? - Will processors discount prices (most probably not as they have to accept losses then)? - Will buyers stop buying (they can t as they have contractual obligations)? - What will happen when RCN prices finally start to come down to levels that are related to the balance between world supply and demand? Demand in general, still continuous to remain strong, even though there are reports that demand is going to be down due to the higher consumer prices. Buyers are reluctant to take forward positions as they are afraid to sit with high priced inventory as and when the kernel market starts coming down. Strategically buyers keep on buying hand to mouth and keep feeding the kernel market with steady demand. The higher prices in the supermarket will have an impact on consumer demand, but the real figures on this will take another couple of months. 10

11 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Keeping the above in mind, we recommend to take a cover at least until June/July and probably upto 30-50% for the rest of Source: Kees, GTA, The Netherland China Prices offered by Vietnamese processors during last week are unworkable. WW240 at usd/kg, WW320 at usd/kg, WW450 at usd/kg. However, deals at these prices are very limited due to the weak demand. The Vietnam processors claim that they have to offer higher prices as the cost of RCN this year is at least 20 percent higher than last year and they don t have enough RCN for processing, if they don t confirm the new crop order. Meanwhile, in China market we cannot accept the unworkable new prices, although the supply from Vietnam continues to remain tight. Source: Lee, China CEPCI in Gulf Food Gulf food is perhaps the most popular food exhibitions of Asia and attracts more and more exhibitors and visitors every year. Middle East is a fast growing market for the cashew nuts exponentially growing at 8.3% per annum. In this context, the CEPCI attributes more importance to the Gulf food. Every year, CEPCI participates in the Gulf Food along with a good number of exporters. A separate designated area to 90 sq.mts is built up this year for the India cashew Industry under CEPCI; where in individual exporters also have put their stalls. One of the differences felt this year is that the unlike previous years, the food processing machineries are not exhibited this year-may be that has taken away some charm of the meet. However, the large representation of food operators all around the world is still the charm of this meet. This is an ideal entry point to new exporters of food items to the international market, while the existing exporters of food items find it an avenue to expand their exposure to the global market. Apart from marketing the products, it paves as a platform for interaction with other producers of different regions also. CEPCI is very happy to note that our members are benefited by the participation in this meet-both as exhibitors and as visitors to various other stalls. Dr R K Bhoodes, Vice Chairman-CEPCI Please visit for weather report 11

12 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Fig 1: Cashew Kernel- W320- Average FOB prices at Tuticorin port, India (USD/lb) W320 in the Tuticorin port traded slightly higher in the region of USD 4.6 and 4.75 per lb during last week. Fig 2: Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) - Average Price INR per 80 kg bag New RCN crop arrivals started in very small quantities and price currently being traded in the region of INR 148 and 165 per kg in the major producing regions of Goa and Maharashtra. In Vetapalem new crop is expected to arrive from end of March or early April onwards. 12

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14 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Almond Report Delhi and California Delhi'S Dry Fruits and Nuts market at Katra Ishwar Bhawan fondly called as KIB in Chandani Chowk closed for the trading of Almonds for the week ended March 4th, 2017 at INR /40 kg for private packers on 70% Sliding Scale basis, which is equivalent to 2.40$/lb of origin's pricing, with BD commanding a premium of 1-1.5%. FAQ kernels closed at INR /kg, with Hand Picked traded at INR /kg. Most of the traders from Pan India were at Gulfood 2017, which ended on March 2nd. Buyers were on an inquiry spree for almost all the five days as the prices for NP In shell's climbed on a daily basis and closed at USD 2.62/lbs for March shipments, not sure of the trades, but heard few business. The reports from California have been disturbing during last week on the ongoing bloom with very less bee hours being spent. This would probably hurt the growth and the crop we will be very short on the CY 2017 against the best estimates predicted in December and early January. Buyers have been reluctant to believe on the reports citing just another strategy of increasing the prices, but it would prove costly for the buyer going forward. Another reason for less enthusiasm has been that the demand has been at its lowest on the domestic front and which is a normal phenomenon which gets repeated every year, based on my personal experience over the years. Crop presentation for the year 2017 was done by the Australian Almond Board, which has also become an annual event during the Gulfood, which gives opportunity for most of the buyers from Global Markets to meet the supplies over drinks and finger food, taking the first hand information. Australian suppliers have also increased the prices and have started quoting at $2.66/lbs as being followers to American prices. Moreover, Aussi's are also aware that the California is well sold and is in a comfortable position for the remaining of the crop 2016, and they see no reasons for them to decrease the prices substantially. The buyers on the other hand need to understand that due to California's sold and committed positions, the chances of any price fall look bleak. The CY 2016 will have to service two Diwali's (2016 as it was last and in November along with 2017 which is early in Mid October). The balance sheet as crafted by me after detailed discussions with the stake holders shows a shortfall in supplies of over 400 Containers against the expected demand. It is difficult today for the buyers to buy at 2.60$ and above as the differentials are over 10% against the demanded local prices. The demand will further slowdown in the next couple of months. The buyers who had taken positions in December/January will become profit takers and will ensure the market sentiments to remain stable to bullish by liquidating the materials less than the replenishment costs. The markets from hereon will get time to settle and understand the actual positions on the bloom post the weather disturbances. We would get some clarity in the coming 3-4 weeks time. Pistachios from Iran get traded during the Gulfood and prices for Long or Ahmad Aghai Varieties were AA 26/28 at $ /KG, AA24/26 at $/KG. The increased prices of Iranian origin give ample opportunity for Californian Pistachios to jump back in the market as buyers in India will ample time for Imports with far lower prices as against Iranian with the indication at $/lb CIF Indian Ports. The other opportunity today lies in the Walnut segment with every Indian buyer paying his visit to the Packers/Growers and Trader booth in the GULFOOD. In fact, the highest footfall was seen and this has been due to the money made by traders in the last 3-4 months. As stated earlier the demand is high 14

15 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 for Crain, Derco, Shoee with new entrants to Indian market like Poindexter getting abundance of enquiry. Cashew prices are looking bearish with new CY 2017 looking big and price correction is the need of the hour for its sustenance as an ingredient nut especially in the largest consuming market India. Gulfood 2017 has been a success story, with many fold increase in the participation from both the buyers and sellers. The Fair authorities need to get applause for making it so smooth across five days compelling participants to come every year. Dubai Exports have done a commendable job in ensuring hassle free business in UAE, with many facilities being extended to both buyers and sellers every year. Source: Ravindra Mehta, IFNO, New Delhi Almond Price Chart Almond kernel prices traded higher at Delhi for the third consecutive week and for the week ended (Mar-03) in the region of INR 615 and INR 630 per kg. 15

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18 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Prices of Nuts in India and International Market Table 1: RCN spot prices (new crop) in India (INR per 80 kg bag) Indian RCN price at various markets Unit Rs per kg (2/24/2017) Unit Rs per kg (3/03/2017) Mangalore * * Goa Kannur Panruti * * Jeypore (old crop) Ratnagiri Kolhapur 160 * Bandha Kankouli Vengurla Rajapur * 152 Table 2: Kernel FOB prices in major ports as on 03/03/17 Grades Tuticorin (USD/lb fob)* Kollam(USD/lb fob) Vietnam(USD / lb fob) Rotterdam (USD/lb fca) W W W SW SW SSW LP/LWP Ws FS 3.65 Table 3: Cashew Kernel: India spot prices in production centres as on 3/03/2017 in INR/kg Grades Manglore(Karnataka Kollam(Kerala) Vetapalam(A.P) Jeypore(Odisha) Ganjam(Odisha) W W W W W W W S S S S LWP SWP K

19 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 JH SSW BB JK/JB SW Note: Price marked in RED is of last week. Prices of Nuts in Other Indian Markets TABLE 4: Cashew kernel: India spot prices at terminal markets as on 3/03/2017 in INR/kg Grades Delhi Sangrur(Punjab) Jalandhar(Punjab) Kolaphur(Maharastra) Mumbai W W W W W S LWP SWP Currency Movement Table-5: Forex rates in USD Currency 2/24/2017 3/03/2017 Indian Rupee (INR) Euro (EUR) Japanese Yen (JPY) Brazilian Real (BRL) Chinese Yuan (CNY) Singapore Dollar (SGD) Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) Thai Baht (THB) Mozambique New Metical (MZN) Vietnam Dong (VND) Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Benin CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) Ghanaian New Cedi (GHS)

20 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Indian rupee further move will depend on the outcome of key state elections Indian rupee ended almost unchanged and further move to depend on the outcome of state election results by this weekend. The GST council last week approved the final draft of Central GST and Integrated GST and will take up for approval the State-GST and Union Territory-GST (UT-GST) laws at its next meeting on March 16. The US Fed is widely expected to hike its interest rates in its two day meet slated during the middle of next week. Indian rupee last week traded in the region of and against the dollar and settled nearly unchanged on 03 Mar. Strong support is seen at and then at levels and only below to signal room for further appreciation. Upside for the time being is capped in the region of and levels. Brazil real may weaken further Brazilian real as we rightly pointed out decline further during last week. Real also declined on potential US rate hike during its next meet scheduled for March 14 and 15. Brazil real last week traded in the region of and and finally settled at on 03 Mar. Real downside is limited as long as it doesn t violate Overall real is likely to trade in the broader region of 3.05 and 3.25 against the dollar in the near term. Vietnam dong is likely to remain more volatile According to a circular issued by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), which comes into effect on March 15, lending rates applied by credit institutions will be fully floated, except in five special fields: agriculture and rural development, high-tech industry, export, small- and mediumsized enterprises, and supporting industries. Vietnam dong last week traded in the region of VND and VND against the dollar. Expect the recent volatility in dong to continue for the time being. 20

21 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Comparative Movement of Currencies in 2017 (Jan to Mar) Vis-à-vis USD in cashew processing regions (Weeks starts from January 2017 and value indexed to 100) Table 6: Other Tree nut and Dry Fruits Prices at the Delhi Market (INR/kg) Grades 2/24/2017 3/03/2017 Almond Giridi in shell 137.5/ /140 Almond Gurbandhi in shell Almond California in shell 427.5/ /450 Almond Kernel California 610/ /630 Almond Kernel Gurbandi 725/ /825 Pistachio Irani 1025/ /1100 Pistachio Hairati 1450/ /1500 Pistachio Peshawari 1550/ /1600 Walnut New 290/ /440 Walnut Kernel 800/ /1450 Fig Common 300/ /375 Fig Medium 500/ /550 Fig Best 625/ /750 Apricot 450/ /625 Kishmish (Rs per kg ) Indian Yellow 100/ /112.5 Indian Green 112.5/ /200 Kandhari New 250/ /625 Ranga 187.5/ /205 Dry Dates (Rs per quintal) Red 2700/ /12000 Rangkat 4000/ /14000 Raisin- Sangli

22 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Table:7-Price of African Cashew Kernels FOB (any port to West Africa-03/03/2017)-Unit: USD per lb W W240 5 W W SW240 4 SW SSW 4.05 LWP 3.2 SB 3.3 SS 3.2 WSP 3.05 Chips 2.5 SSP 2.2 SPS 2.15 BB 2.2 (An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Peter L Masawe, Head of Research, Regional Coordinator, NM- AIST, Tanzania at the World Cashew Convention, Feb, 2017, Singapore) How was the season so far in Tanzania, what was the farm gate price offered to the farmers and your message for WCC? The season in Tanzania was very exciting; there was a very stiff competition among the buyers, for the first time in the history of cashew trade in Tanzania we had many buyers from various countries i.e., Vietnam, India and other places. The prices started on a very high note and they continued to remain high throughout the season. Farmers felt cashew is a cash crop as they have made high profits and thus has helped to rescue their life from poverty. Indeed, the prices were extraordinarily high; I wonder how processors were making profit. On the other hand, let s be happy that farmers were encouraged. The government has also introduced various systems for the movement of cashew nuts from the farms to the warehouses and this has lead to increase in production records. Tanzania this year (2016/17) has recorded around 255,000 metric tonnes of cashews. With ever increasing demand for RCN, do you think there is scope for Tanzania, to increase its area under cashew cultivation and what are the initiatives taken to improve the area as well as production? 22

23 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Increasing area under production is one thing, increasing production and productivity is another thing. The best approach so far is increasing productivity before increasing area under production. Most of the cashews from Tanzania are from the southern regions that account almost up to 80% of overall production. But, if we concentrate more on all the other growing areas in Tanzania, to utilise maximum out of the area, which is already planted, rehabilitate the existing bushes, before we move into non-traditional cashew growing areas are some of the initiatives that has to be taken. You work in an educational institution, where in you promote new ideas like inter cropping, mulching etc. How are farmers reacting to the new changes which are brought in? As a cashew breeder in a research institute, am happy to inform you that Tanzania has released a total of 54 varieties in cashew nut, 16 cashew clones and two cashew hybrids, which are conventional registered. In terms of contributions of research institutions, we are striving to ensure that the farmers are getting these new varieties which can yield up to 100 kilograms/ tree at the age of 10 years. More importantly, we are training our farmers towards good agronomic practices, as incidence of pest and diseases can lead to a crop loss of more than 70%, hence choosing the right pesticide and its application on the trees in the optimum period can tremendously increase the crop size in Tanzania. Intercropping and mixed cropping plays a substantial role for big farmers, as intercropping in cashews right now is not a choice, but mandatory for new plantations. This operation not only increases the overall income of farmer, but also will cut short the operational cost. How well is awareness on utilisation potential of cashew apples, CNSL, and other by products of cashew in Tanzania? Although Tanzania is the biggest cashew producer in East Africa, still its lowest in terms of value addition, and one of the main reasons why we are not processing in Tanzania is because of high price of RCN. Moreover, farmers feel trading in RCN is more profitable. This is an area where the government has to think twice before taking a decision as to improve our processors to able compete in the world market. Utilisation of cashew apple and other by products is very low. At the research station level, we have developed a protocol for cashew apple production and are readying up for scaling but CNSL and other by products are not very well exploited yet in Tanzania. This might one of the other reason as to why processors in Tanzania are not yet making high profits and are not competitive in the international markets. What are the hindrances faced by the Tanzanian exporters? Over the years, the percentage of cashew processing is decreasing drastically in Tanzania, mainly due to high price of RCN. Most of the processors are exporters and are more inclined towards exporting RCN than Processing. If you are exporting, you receive the returns within days but if we are processing then you may have to wait for days. In this regard the government has to take certain initiatives to improve processing in Tanzania What are the initiatives taken by the government of Tanzania, for the betterment of the whole cashew industry? Current Government of Tanzania is very interested in value addition of cashews. The President has declared that the country to be converted into an industrialised hub and cashew has a huge 23

24 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 potential. So am very confident that the government will support the processors. On behalf of Tanzanian government, I invite processors who are interested in setting up Cashew factories in Tanzania. Government has a budget to construct three cashew processing factories in different parts of the country. For, all those we are looking for partners and we are inviting investors to come and invest in Tanzania Please tell us about the port conjunctions and the issue of usage of Mtwara port or Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania? Cashew is a crop, which is influenced by local and international politics. The government was making sure that the cashews are exported through Mtwara, as it is very easy to control cheating and we are very sure this problem will be resolved very soon. Mtwara will be able to handle huge volumes. Moreover, we have now taken strict measures to see that even if the trade occurs in Dar es Salaam or Tanga ports, there are strict measures to see to that the cashews are sold only through warehouse systems only. Pistachio Nuts Are Known In the Middle East as Smiling Nut February 26th recognizes all things pistachio. It s National Pistachio Day! It is a day that has been set aside for all pistachio lovers to eat their favorite nut all day long. For those who do not eat pistachios, buy some and give them to someone who does. Crack them open and eat them up or enjoy them in ice cream or your favorite pistachio dessert! Pistachios arrived in the United States sometime in the 1880s, but they have been cultivated in the Middle East since Biblical times. The pistachio tree grows to about 20 feet tall needing little or no rain and must have high heat. In Iran, they claim they have pistachio trees still living that are 700 years old! A new tree takes between 7 and 10 years to mature and bear fruit. Pistachio Facts: 24

25 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 All pistachio shells are naturally beige in color. Some companies dye nuts red or green if nuts are inferior or for consumer demand. California produces about 300 million pounds of pistachios each year, accounting for 98 percent of America s production. Pistachio shells typically split naturally when ripe. The kernels are often eaten whole, either fresh or roasted and either salted or unsalted. In the Middle East, people call the pistachio the smiling nut. In China, people call the pistachio the happy nut. Health Benefits Pistachios are an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper and manganese and a good source of protein, fiber, thiamine and phosphorus. Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces (42.5g) per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. US Food and Drug Administration, July A Great Thing to do Recycle the Pistachio Shells! The empty pistachio shells are useful for recycling in several ways. If unsalted, the shells need not be washed and dried before reuse, but washing is simple if that is not the case. Practical uses include as a fire starter; kindling to be used with crumpled paper; to line the bottom of pots containing houseplants for drainage and retention of soil for up to two years; as a mulch for shrubs and plants that require acid soils, as a medium for orchids; and as an addition to a compost pile designed for wood items that take longer to decompose than leafy materials (it can take up to a year for pistachio shells to decompose unless soil is added to the mix). Shells from salted pistachios can also be placed around the base of plants to deter slugs and snails. Many craft uses for the shells include holiday tree ornaments, jewelry, mosaics and rattles. Research indicates that pistachio shells may be helpful in cleaning up pollution created by mercury emissions. From Foodimentary.com: Pistachio nuts are a member of the cashew family and are closely related to mangos, sumac, and even poison ivy. Iran produces more pistachios than any other country in the world with over 200k tons per year. In Asia they are often referred to as green almonds & the happy nut. In Iran they are called the smiling nut. Male pistachio trees are alternate bearing, meaning they produce heavier crops every other year. (Courtesy: 25

26 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 News Highlights Funding for Sustainable Development of Territories at the Center of a Forum in Abidjan The Assembly of Regions and Districts of Cote d'ivoire (ARDCI) and the Union of Cities and Municipalities of Cote d'ivoire (UVICOCI) organized, on Monday and Tuesday in Abidjan, With the Global Fund for the Development of Cities (FMDV) and the French Patronage (MEDEF International), an exchange forum under the theme "Challenges of financing sustainable urban and territorial development in Côte d'ivoire". Continue reading FIRCA prepares the establishment of an agricultural management board in Korhogo The Inter-professional Fund for Research and the Agricultural Council (FIRCA) is planning to set up management consulting services for the monitoring of producers and professional organizations of five agricultural sectors in the regions of Poro, Gbêkê and Haut- Sassandra. Cashew bugs attack in Binh Phuoc Continue reading As noted by reporter Journal of the times, over the past month, the weather in the province of Binh Phuoc abnormal changes occur unseasonable rain and fog caused wants to greatly affect the seasonal conditions in many parts in the local area. Continue reading Don t waste cashew shells... it s oil can cure wounds, abscesses Most of us relish cashews. But, did you know that the cashew shells that is often dumped as waste has antibacterial properties. The oil extracted out of cashew shells contains anacardic acid that can cure abscesses and wounds, found a study by professors of Amrita University and University of California, San Diego and Riverside. Private sector welcomes allocation for cashew sector Continue reading Private sector processors have welcomed the allocation of Rs. 20 crore in the State budget for cashew industry. The allocation is for programmes aimed at arresting the migration of cashew processing units to neighbouring States. Cashew Development Corporation Chairman S. Jayamohan 26

27 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 said a decision on the programmes would be taken after talks between the government, trade unions, and private sector processors. Workshops help Georgian hazelnut producers enter EU market Continue reading Nut farmers in Georgia have enjoyed a series of workshops to learn how to benefit from the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) deal. The DCFTA deal is part of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA) signed in June 2014, which offers access to the EU market and new trading opportunities. The deal also means Georgian entrepreneurs have to comply with EU standards for the goods and services they offer. Continue reading 27

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31 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 Are you planning to invest in new processing factory or modernize existing cashew processing factory in India? Cashew cultivation is expanding into new areas in India. Cashew processing too is being taken up in non-traditional areas. Entrepreneurs face several questions when starting a new project, such as, which technology to choose, what should be the scale, should we choose manual vs. semi-automatic vs. fully automatic processing lines and where to set up the plant, what is the demand in my region and what is the forecast and what are the risks in investing and so on. The consulting arm of Cashewinfo.com would be happy to assist businesses in conducting Techno- Economic Feasibility studies for either establishing a new factory or modernizing an existing factory. Let us know your requirements, we would provide you with best advice. It is wise to talk to us before investing your money. Please write to swapna@fbspl.com or talk to Swapna at Cashew weekly printed Edition is promoted in the following events Event Name Date of Event City / Country INC World Congress on Nuts and Dried Fruits 19 th May -21 st May 2017 Chennai, India 31

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34 Volume 18 Issue 10 Feb 26-Mar 04, 2017 REACH OUT TO GLOBAL CASHEW INDUSTRY ADVERTISE IN & For Advertisement in Cashew Week "Do you have an interesting story to share with us on cashew value chain (in your region/country), innovation, processing, technology, financing or any topic related to cashew industry? If yes, write & Banner Space on CONTACT: Disclaimer: The data and information presented in this report are based on efforts of analysts at Foretell Business Solutions Private Limited, Bangalore and opinions and data obtained from experts and various industry sources. While sufficient care has been taken to check data and information prior to publishing, Foretell or its employees or external contributors will not be responsible for any kind of errors or omissions or misrepresentation of data or for losses incurred by any party either directly or indirectly based on the information published herein. Caution to Readers Although paid advertisements appear in this publication (in print, online, or in other electronic formats), Foretell Business Solutions Private Limited (the owner of cashewinfo.com) does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, or any of the claims made by the advertisement. Readers are encouraged to do the necessary due diligence. However, in the interest of the industry, please share your concerns, if any, by writing to us at 34