CASHEW WEEK. In the Cashew Week... A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. A Product of

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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 Almond Report Prices of Nuts Domestic Prices of Nuts International Prices of Nuts (An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Mahesh Patel, Executive director of ETG, at the World Cashew Convention, Feb, 2017, Singapore) Vietnam Cashew EXIM-Mar-2017 Health and Fitness: Go nuts!, By BRIAN PARR Columnist NewsHighlights Upcoming Trade Events Currency Movement and Outlook

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7 Global Cashew Market at a Glance India RCN prices across the major producing states firmed up during the beginning of this week. RCN traded between INR 125 and INR 150 per kg, the highest being quoted in Goa. In Andhra, RCN prices traded between INR 125 and INR 133 per kg, while in Mangalore and Maharashtra the range was INR 140 and INR 150 per kg. As per trade source, post-demonetisation (Nov-2016), the demand for kernels has come down significantly in the Indian markets. In the domestic markets, kernel price continued to remain either unchanged or a bit lower. Kernel prices are unlikely to hit new highs in export markets (beyond Nov highs), despite firming RCN prices. The FOB price of cashew kernel between Vietnam and India in fact had narrowed down for wholes and in case of LWP and WS, Vietnam price is traded even a bit higher, which is surprising. Vietnam Vietnam RCN imports in Q totalled 176,982 tonnes as against 107,655 tonnes imported during Q1-2016, an increase of 64 percent. In March-2017, Vietnam has imported 76,101 tonnes of RCN as against 46,940 tonnes imported in March In value terms, it is an increase of 115 percent during Q (imports valued USD million) as against Q (USD million). In Q1-2017, Vietnam exported 55,808 tonnes of cashew kernels as against 58,543 tonnes exported in Q West Africa In Benin, the marketing campaign of raw cashew nuts is continuing, while the first rains started in the various production regions. Last week there was an increase in demand as well as a fairly large supply in some areas, with farm gate prices slightly higher when compared to previous weeks. In the Atacora and Donga departments, where demand is rather strong, farm gate prices have risen and were quoted in the range of 750 and 800 FCFA/kg ( USD), warehouses prices were up to 850 FCFA/kg (1.38 USD). In Borgou-Alibori also, there was an increase in the prices offered by the farmers, ranging from 700 to 800 FCFA / kg ( USD) with the upper end of the range observed in Parakou, Tchaourou and Nikki while the lower end was observed at N'dali and Segbana. Warehouses prices, for their part, ranged between 750 and 850 FCFA/kg in all the various localities. Further in the south of the country, in the Zou and Collines regions, the raw cashew nut price was stable at 800 FCFA/kg (USD 1.30) and the store price was 850 FCFA/kg (1.38 USD). In the Ouémé and the Plateau, prices remained more or less stable and ranged around FCFA/kg ( USD) both at the farm gate and in the warehouses. 7

8 Overall in Benin most of the crop is sold out. The quality of the remaining crop coming is very low in the region of 42 and 44 Lbs. Local price in Benin delivered Cotonou is 875 FCFA per kg approx. The cargo now arriving is with high moisture and needs to be dried. Cote d ivoire: The first crop is almost over and the second crop is expected in a week's time. The local price delivered to Abidjan is between 869 and 880 FCFA per kg. The quality of crop in most of the area has come down to Lbs levels. C&F price quoted for May shipment for 46 Lbs is $ 1850 per ton. Dried cargos are still available, but expect the second crop will have to be dried. There is container shortage in Abidjan and shipments against many contracts are getting delayed. West African cashew markets Country Farm gate price Wholesale price Cote d Ivoire FCFA/Kg FCFA/Kg Burkina Faso FCFA/Kg Nigeria NGN/Kg ( FCFA/Kg) 550 NGN/Kg (1100 FCFA/Kg) Ghana GHS/Kg ( FCFA/Kg) 6.5-6,8 ( FCFA/Kg) Senegal FCFA/Kg Mali FCFA/Kg FCFA/Kg Guinea GNF/Kg ( FCFA/Kg) Currency Indian rupee overall appreciating tone is set to continue for the time being. With the presidential nod for four GST bills passed by the parliament, the government is signalling more reforms in the offing going forward; augur well for the Indian rupee, coupled with robust FII inflows. Nigeria s Naira is likely to strengthen during this week as the central bank is planning to raise dollar sales to $40,000 from the present $20,000, which will improve liquidity and help support the local currency. The local currency was quoted at 410 to the dollar in the black market, compared with 398 to the dollar last week. At the official window it closed at to the dollar last Wednesday. Source: Cashewinfo.com Cashew Market Commentaries from Experts-India Maintaining efficiency is challenging in the following weeks for all the cashew operators and stakeholders. Seasoned operators will be caught between following gut instincts and listening to the voice of reason. But attempts to stick to logic won't solve the problems in cashew. They are many and one of the problems is that, we do not have enough data and information. And even if we have it we do not have the opportunity or time to apply the knowledge or listen to wisdom. 8

9 The more you resist the future, the quicker it will arrive. The question before the world is not any one knows what will be any position in the next six weeks in any of the markets whether raw cashew or kernels. What is awesome is the ability to convert in the new factories, while traditional factories are stunned by the changes. In this era of whatsapp messaging bulk s and mass of news, it is hard to block out the noise that's coming from over the horizon. All of us actually want to have all the new information at our disposal now, even if it's overwhelming. President Barack Obama said, "Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth. If you run, you stand a chance of losing, but if you don't run, you've already lost." The cashew industry is on a treadmill that does not stop and running to be in the same place. As of now raw cashew prices are unrelenting and the global cashew w 320 prices are at their below the peaks up to nearby positions. As there are no forward deals reported, it does indicate that buying needs to be sustained month by month. This tactic could work fine for now because of historic high prices questions would be - are prices sustainable - how will - " new demand " which are unconventional and totally new areas compete with traditional and developed channels - whether there is any forecast or prediction possible or consumption over 2018 when this year s prices reflect in consumer price increases In India and other regions spot market behaviour would need to be watched. Economics and politics in cashew are intermixed now on a severe contest by raw cashew as a commodity by itself and cashew kernels as a derivative. So markets could see contrary and divergent trends this year. Hopefully the INC Convention and intense interactions on the world community should take cashew to the "new normal". For now people with stamina and resources can "run" and for those who need to run on a treadmill hopefully will be fitter to meet the challenges. The reference price for W 320 for 2017 is USD 4.6 Fob Indian Port or HCM can sustain up to May Standard variations on risks and supplier profile would always be there. On the minus side could be 5 percent and on the plus side 15 percent of there is turbulence on account of disruptions or sustained demand. Price fluctuations will have more intensity. If there is no sustained and substantial increase in raw cashew supply cashew version 5.0 would be the new normal. The entire world should work to improve sustainable cashew cultivation. Source: Giridhar Prabhu, Achal Cashews, Mangalore India: The arrivals in Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa are showing signs of slowing down. Prices have firmed since last week. The Prices range from INR 136 to INR 140 per kg in Kerala. In Maharashtra 9

10 price has firmed from INR 132 to INR 137 and in Goa INR 145 (All in kg). Arrivals have picked up in Andhra, but there too the prices are firming up due to heavy purchases by a couple of big operators. BENIN: The quality of the initial crop in Benin came out excellent. I personally feel that this year s quality was the best after the year As per reports, nearly 80 to 85% of the crop has already come in the market. The fresh arrivals are of lower yield with 45-46lbs. The bush prices have also increased as the arrivals had slowed down. Aggressive buying by Vietnam operators belied the hopes of a price fall all through W Africa. Now, Indian processors have been forced to buy 46-47lbs goods at a price prevailed for 49lbs in the beginning of the season. The most important factor to be noticed is that, this year, the prices prevailed in Benin were at par with the prices of Cote d ivoire-ivc. In any normal year, Benin raw seeds used to quote 100$/MT than IVC raw seeds. In reality, the price difference from IVC to Benin should have been nearly 200$/MT as Benin raw seeds enjoyed LDC benefit. This clearly shows the intensity of urge from the buying quarters. Ghana: The crop started in Jan and is coming to an end. Prices quoted are $ for 48lbs. Cote d Ivoire: As per reports, nearly 300K MT has already arrived in Abidjan and a large part of it is bought by Vietnamese processors. There are reports of rains in many parts of growing area. Due to this, the arriving cargo contains moisture and the yield has also gone down. In the meantime, the bush prices are also firming up. Source: Prakash Prabhu, Esdeecom Cashew Market Commentaries from Experts-International Vietnam Certain quantity of W320, WS traded at the beginning of last week thanks to good demand from buyers. Prices traded were up few cents per lb comparing to previous week s prices. W320 traded at USD 4.65/4.75, Ws at USD 3.65/3.75 per lb fob for April and May, while prices traded by top and reliable packers were some cents per lb higher than medium ones. Buyers did pay premium for the top quality packers up to 4.80 per lb fob. There were offers for June to Aug shipments, but buyers were very reluctant to pick the offers due to demand uncertainty as well as the crop size. It is obvious that this year s Vietnam is short in total, but how much damage is the concern for all. Weather condition was good and this is good for crop as cashews can be dried properly. Shipment of imported RCN is continuing and big quantity is expected to reach to Vietnamese ports from now onwards. Prices of RCN are at firm levels, offered picked up by buyers for good quality only. With high prices of RCN, packers are very cautious to buy as there is no firm demand from buyers. The business only happens for nearby shipments and this indicates a uncertain mood of the market. Not many packers are willing to buy big quantities of imported RCN at prevailing high prices. Source: Mr. Kim, Khiem Nguyen Co., Ltd, Vietnam Gambia and Senegal 1st Shipments have happened from Gambia. We expect it to slowly pickup in the coming Weeks. Cargo from Brikama will start this week onwards. Cargo from Ziguinchor is expected to begin end of April/beginning May. 10

11 Crop looks big. Local prices are between 78 to 80 GMD per kg in Gambia. In Senegal the price at bush is at 700CFA per kg. International Trades have happened between $2,000 to $2,100 depending on payments terms. Everyone is watching Bissau for indications and directions. Source: Amrith Kurien, Comafrique Market seems weird last week, as the prices offered from are stable as last week, while the prices are declining in our market. We have to hold the stocks for a while, and preferably in a wait and watch mood, whether our market can catch up with Vietnam. Source: Will Lee, China Guinea Bissau As we move closer to the main harvest season, export licences have still not been issued in Guinea- Bissau. We are now entering the holiday period and any further developments will occur only after Easter Monday. Meanwhile, exporters are busy preparing all the documentation and supportings necessary to apply for the alvara (cashew export licence). The crop outlook continues to remain positive. Source: John Rao, Bijagos Comerciais S.a.r.l. Please visit for weather report 11

12 Fig 1: Cashew Kernel- W320- Average FOB prices at Tuticorin port, India (USD/lb) Fig 2: Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) - Average Price INR per 80 kg bag RCN prices across various states traded in the region of INR 125 and INR 150 per kg. In Andhra the same is traded in the region of INR 125 and INR 132 per kg. In Goa and Maharashtra RCN prices were quoted higher in the region of INR 140 and INR 150 per kg during the beginning of week. We expect RCN prices to stabilise and unlikley to drop down significanlty. The quality of the crop is reported good. 12

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14 Almond and other tree nuts report The market in Delhi Khari Baoli Market for Dry Fruits & Nuts last week closed for trading of Almonds at INR /40 Kg for 70% Sliding Scale Basis (equivalent o $ /lb of Origin's CIF prices). In the private packers segment, BD is still commanding a premium and closed at INR /40 kg. FAQ kernels were traded at INR /kg, with Hand Picked/Fancy closed at INR /kg, for the week ended April 15th USDINR closed at (on April-13 th ), Indian Currency has been volatile and showing strong signs of further appreciation in the coming days. It is forecasted to touch 63.57, which will further hurt the exporters especially in our category of Cashews. The currency has appreciated by more than 5% since Jan Almond board announced its position report for the month of March 2017 on April 11th, which totaled 178 Million Lbs, up by 10.6% from March 2016 s 161 Million Lbs. Domestic shipments of USA were up by 34.8% and export shipments were marginally up by 2.2% to 122 Million Lbs. India up 31%, UAE up 46%, the three Asian sisters, Japan, Korea and Taiwan posting a March growth rate of 23%, 24% and 37% respectively or 2.8 million pounds combined, and it was the third largest March shipment on record for the domestic market. However, Europe was notably down by 7%. Commitments were recorded as 440 Million Lbs with crop receipts around Billion Lbs. The final receipts numbers would be higher by 85 Million or 4% than the numbers put in by the NASS Estimate.NP deliveries reached 821 Million Lbs till date. Most Importantly on the buyers perspective, the total sold, committed plus shipped to date, calculates at 84% of the 2016 crop. This compares to 76.0% last year and the highest percentage committed/shipped since 2009 at this point during the season. This is a well sold position. Ramadan and Diwali, the two main festivals are earlier than last year, which means that these festivals will have to get serviced by the CY 2016 only and looking at the comfortable position of California, as per my inference many varieties will be in short availability, thus causing supply crunch when it is needed. As stated in my last week s update that Indian traders based out of Khari Baoli market were looking forward to the position report with expectations of around 200 containers, but with 34.8% higher imports than March 2016 or 366 In shell and 24 Kernel containers further depressed the markets by over INR 500/40 Kg basis. In my view, the shipments for the March month are all of higher prices as prevailed in February around 2.50 to 2.60$/lbs for In-shell s, so anybody selling at today s domestic prices of around 2.30$/lbs will have to incur deep losses and will hurt his balance sheet. The small traders have started liquidating the in-hand cargo looking at the high supplies against low demand. The supplies have further increased from Hong Kong in the last two months with over 500 Containers, Hong Kong has been selling very aggressively with a differential of 5-8 cents lower than the Californian Prices. The excess supplies will ensure that the deficit, which the Indians were anticipating going forward for Diwali will get mitigated and we might have enough cargo as required. The Australian cargo is also on high seas and will start arriving by the month end and unless supported by good demand we would further see price fall. 14

15 California has shown price stability with offers for current month if available are around $/lbs on CIF levels. New crop seems to be progressing really well and on course to be big, the offer prices are falling on daily basis but largely from traders. The highs of 2.40 have gone to $2.25 for September month deliveries. The buyers would like to wait till May 10th report to start covering their positions and I think they should not be in a hurry as August shipments also will not be helpful for Diwali, so no point paying premiums and that too in a big crop. Weather is becoming extremely hot in the Northern belt of India, with temperatures already touching over 40 Deg Celsius of Deg Fahrenheit, thus restricting the movement of people along with avoiding eating of Nuts & Dry Fruits. Coming months will see further increase in temperatures leading to INC in Chennai where humidity levels are high, probably 75% and above. Other Nuts and Dry Fruit prices are also under pressure largely due to lack of demand. Cashew prices are stable to bullish due to increase in RCN prices at origin on account of crop issues in Vietnam. Pistachio Prices haven t stabilised in Iran after the long holidays and are still 7-10% higher. Pistachio Kernel prices from Afghanistan are high on lack of supplies. Walnut prices are really under pressure with demand falling on daily basis against the increased supplies from Hong Kong, thus making the traders nervous for the coming months, but I really see the prices jumping by the end of July. There is stability on the political front, the sentiments are very positive for the present Central Government; Money from Foreign Institutions for short and long term has started flowing back on the back drop of faster economic reforms. There is huge expectation from the present political set up on employment generation, curbing of Corruption as demonstrated through demonetisation in the month of November 2016, the so-called game changer tax initiative of GST (Goods & Services Tax), which should give boost to demand. Overall the markets will remain quiet for couple of months and should bounce back. Source: Ravinder Mehta, IFNO, New Delhi - India 15

16 Almond Price Chart Almond kernel Californai prices had traded at Delhi, settled last week slightly lower in the region of INR 595 and 600 per kg. Cashew W320 traded at Delhi, settled unchanged at INR 795 per kg. 16

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19 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 (4/07/2017) Unit Rs per kg (4/14/2017) Mangalore Goa Kannur Kerala Panruti * * Jeypore Ratnagiri * Kolhapur Bandha Kankouli * * Vengurla * Rajapur * * Table 2: Kernel FOB prices in major ports as on 04/14/17 Grades Tuticorin (USD/lb fob) Kollam(USD/lb fob) Vietnam(USD / lb fob) W W W SW SW SSW LP/LWP Ws FS Price marked in red is of last week Table 3: Cashew Kernel: India spot prices in production centres as on 4/14/2017 in INR/kg Grades Manglore(Karnataka Kollam(Kerala) Vetapalam(A.P) Goa Ganjam(Odisha) Panruti (Tamilnadu) W W W W W W W S S S S LWP SWP K

20 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 JH SSW BB JK/JB SW Prices of Nuts in Other Indian Markets TABLE 4: Cashew kernel: India spot prices at terminal markets as on 4/14/2017 in INR/kg Grades Delhi Sangrur(Punjab) Jalandhar(Punjab) Kolaphur(Maharastra) Mumbai W W W W W S LWP SWP TABLE 5: Price of African Cashew Kernels FOB (any port to West Africa as of last week) Grades Price (USD per lb) Grades Price (USD per lb) W SB 3.40 W SS 3.40 W WSP 3.10 SSW Chips 2.75 SSW FB 3.65 SSW 4.20 FS 3.65 LWP 3.25 BB Currency Movement Table-6: Forex rates in USD Currency 4/07/2017 4/14/2017 Indian Rupee (INR)RBI ref rate 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)

21 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 Benin CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) Ghanaian New Cedi (GHS) Indian rupee stays stronger Indian rupee settled stronger against dollar in line with gains in other Asian currencies. India s retail inflation rose to a five-month high of 3.85% in March on the back of higher fuel prices. Factory output surprisingly contracted 1.2% in February. From the above it is amply clear that RBI is not in a position to reduce interest rates going forward at least till July. Indian rupee last week traded in the region of and against the dollar and settled at on 13 April. As we rightly pointed out rupee last week depreciated close to and then retreated considerably. Support is seen in the region of and then at Resistance is seen at around and above to retest level. Brazil real may weaken further Brazil s real stays almost unchanged during last week against the dollar. As widely anticipated, Brazilian central bank cuts the interest rates by 100 bps. But the road ahead is not smooth for real as its supreme court ordered investigations in to the alleged corruption case during Michel Temer and other ministers. Brazil real last week traded in the region of and and finally settled at on 14 April. 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. 21

22 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 Vietnam Dong may face pressure on strong dollar On April 11 the State Bank of Vietnam had decided to increase the rate of the US dollar it buys from credit institutions by VND100 to VND22, 675. Vietnam dong last week traded in the region of VND and VND against the dollar. Technically dong may retreat further and expect the recent volatility to continue for some more time. Only above VND on a weekly closing basis, expect dong to weaken further. Comparative Movement of Currencies in 2017 (Jan-Apr) Vis-à-vis USD in cashew processing regions (Weeks starts from January 2017 and value indexed to 100) 22

23 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 Table 7: Other Tree nut and Dry Fruits Prices at the Delhi Market (INR/kg) Grades 4/07/2017 4/14/2017 Almond Giridi in shell 137.5/ /140 Almond Gurbandhi in shell Almond California in shell 420/ / Almond Kernel California 600/ /600 Almond Kernel Gurbandi 725/ /825 Pistachio Irani 1025/ /1100 Pistachio Hairati 1425/ /1500 Pistachio Peshawari 1550/ /1600 Walnut New 290/ /440 Walnut Kernel 800/ /1450 Fig Common 450/ /500 Fig Medium 525/ /550 Fig Best 625/ /650 Apricot 450/ /625 Kishmish (Rs per kg ) Indian Yellow / /125 Indian Green 137.5/ /200 Kandhari New 225/ / Ranga 187.5/ /205 Dry Dates (Rs per quintal) Red 2700/ /12000 Rangkat 4000/ /14000 Raisin- Sangli (An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Mahesh Patel, Executive director of ETG, at the World Cashew Convention, Feb, 2017, Singapore) ETG has been a recognized Global leader in its chosen segment. What is more interesting is ETG has balanced the social prospective into its Business and had demonstrated a new way of Business which is sustainable, socially responsible at the same time profitable. You re the visionary and architect of ETG. Please take us through your experience. Thank you for inviting to participate in this conference. It s also our privilege to ensure and see that it adds value. ETG started its journey from Kenya in 1967 and our first aim was staple food for Africa which is predominantly maize and beans, which was grown by smallholder farmers and making it self sufficient rather than importing from International Companies. Our first focus was to ensure that the 23

24 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 farmers are motivated to grow and we were successful in making staple food self-sufficient in Africa in Thereafter, we saw that these small farmers can grow something more. We focused on them, advising them and supporting them to grow pulses for Indian and Middle East market, sesame for Japan, Turkey and Korea market as well as cashew nuts. These were the objectives taken by us in order to empower them, create a value chain, and make them self-sufficient and reliable. We slowly and gradually over a period of time, are able to procure 5.2 million tonnes out of that nearly 80% comes from smallholder farmers. We still feel there is lot of potential from farmers as well as the same land to make the yield to grow 5-10 folds. We are helping and encouraging them with semimechanization, improved seeds, right fertilizers, knowledge on pre-harvest loss, insuring them on improving on it. The slogan of our group is As they Grow, We Grow. We feel that Africa today is the future where we have 60% of the world s arable land still available, which will help not only Africa, but also the rest of the World. Please let us know, in your opinion what the key trends are shaping this Cashew sector. We need institution and Government participation in helping and educating the smallholder farmers. I see the future is bright. From this conference, we take a lot back for empowering and increasing the production of cashews in Africa. You are in a host of commodities; you are a global leader in pulses sector, in sesame, in cereals and so on and so forth, having seen so many sectors. What do you feel cashew sector can learn from other sector? When we look at the present scenario, production of raw cashews is growing day-by-day in Africa. We look at the problems in the Asian countries mainly India and Vietnam, we see raw cashew production trend going down mainly due to agricultural land constraints. Shortfall can be compensated from Africa by supporting them, as there is a lot of scope for growth in Africa. We would like to see two-way trade, where people must be encouraged and supported to trade with Africa. On Empowerment of Women, we hear a lot of positive and encouraging stories that your cashew factories have empowered women. What was the thought process behind? How was the journey? As cashews are usually grown in the rural areas, we saw that there was quite a lot of unemployment in those areas and the governments were worried as to how to find a solution for this problem. So we thought the solution can be processing in the rural areas where these women are idle and they do require income. We could improve economic status of these women. This process begun slowly and gradually developed, thus encouraging rural woman to be self-dependent and self-sufficient. The future is bright because when we look at the production figures, we have lot of scope to improve processing in Africa providing lot of room and opportunity for rural women to grow. 24

25 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 We have a large gathering of over 500 delegates in WCC. What s your message? This conference has brought people together, with lot of knowledge to share with each other. We all have certain soft holes, which we are able to understand through this conference and improve on it. Also, on the future prospects, as the demand is increasing and I feel this demand can be fulfilled through Africa. It is an opportunity when people from other countries especially Asia like India and Vietnam to invest in Africa and help in improving the African industry further. As the African leaders are very encouraging and this is the right opportunity to think and move ahead. WCC opens door for everyone to understand and collaborate. Vietnam Cashew Data-March-2017 Country of origin Destination-wise Export of Cashew nuts from Vietnam Mar-17 Mar-16 Qnty in Value in Qnty in Value in tons million USD tons million USD Australia 1, , Belgium Canada China 2, , France Germany Greece HongKong India Israel Italy Japan Netherlands 3, , New Zealand Norway Pakistan 25

26 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, Philippines Russian Federation Singapore South Africa Spain Taiwan Thailand UAE UK Ukraine USA 8, , Others 1, , Total 24, , Health and Fitness: Go nuts! (Courtesy: BRIAN PARR Columnist) Eating nuts can be a tasty way to make your diet healthier. Nuts are beneficial because, they are rich in healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Nuts also contain omega-3 fats and natural plant sterols, which together may help lower your blood cholesterol and reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Although the specific nutrients vary among different nuts, all nuts are thought to be healthy. This includes tree nuts such as almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts and pecans, which have the most research to support their health benefits. But it also includes peanuts, which are actually legumes (like beans), not true nuts. Research suggests that regular nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of dying from many of the leading causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. One study examined a host of 26

27 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 lifestyle factors, including physical activity, smoking and diet, in more than 100,000 men and women for nearly 30 years. The reduction of risk of death was greater with more frequent nut consumption. For example, the risk of death from all causes was 11 percent lower among men and women, who consumed nuts once per week and 20 percent lower among those who ate nuts seven or more times per week. This was true for both peanut and tree nut consumption, suggesting that all nuts are beneficial. It is important to note that the people in the study who ate the most nuts were also leaner, consumed more fruits and vegetables, less likely to smoke, more likely to exercise and more likely to use multi-vitamin supplements. Although these other factors were controlled for in the analysis, common sense suggests that the benefits associated with nut consumption is likely due to a combination of these beneficial health behaviours. The bottom line is that eating nuts as part of an overall healthy lifestyle is good for you. A person who eats in unhealthy diet, doesn t exercise and smokes is unlikely undo the negative health impact of their lifestyle simply by eating more nuts. Achieving the full benefits of nut consumption seen in the study also certainly means adopting other healthy behaviours. The good news is that adding nuts to your diet is an easy change to make. A typical recommendation for nut consumption is 1 to 1.5 ounces per day. This is the equivalent of a handful of most nuts. The goal would be use nuts to replace a less healthy snack such as chips. A handful of nuts contains about 150 to 200 calories, similar to other snacks such a small bag of potato chips. The difference is that nuts contain healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber, which may fill you up more. Nuts are relatively inexpensive and portable, meaning you can take them with you for a snack. Nuts can also be added to salads and other dishes. Keep in mind that you should focus on eating plain nuts to get the biggest benefits. Many nuts have added flavors in the form of coatings, glazes and seasonings, which may be high in sugar and salt. Honey-roasted peanuts and chocolate-covered almonds are good examples of nuts that are essentially candy. These types of nuts should be eaten sparingly and for dessert, not as a snack. Similarly, peanut butter (and other nut butters) is a healthy source of protein and energy. But many contain added sugar as some contain other ingredients like chocolate. In fact, many nut butters don t contain nuts at all and are essentially frosting! So, go ahead and go nuts! Just remember to do it as part of an otherwise healthy diet and active lifestyle. News Highlights Goa University entrusted with drafting feni policy In an attempt to streamline the trade of cashew liquor, the excise department has entrusted Goa University with drafting a feni policy, which it wants to introduce at the earliest. The Goa University's department of management studies will study problems associated with feni trade, compile a database of all stakeholders, offer suggestions to upgrade the product and draft a feni policy. 27

28 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 Continue reading Government mulls setting up board to boost cashew production, sale With the demand for the setting up of a Cashew Board at the Centre being put on the back burner by the Union Government for quite a while now, the state government is giving serious thought to the prospect of establishing a similar body at the state level. Chennai to host INC world congress next month Continue reading Chennai is to host the XXXVI (International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress from May 19-21, "It is going to be a unique event which is expected to gather nearly 1,000 participants from 60 different countries",pratap Nair, Chairman, Chennai INC Congress told Business Line. Continue reading Exports of Q1 / 2017 declined in volume but increased in value The average cashew export price in the first two months of 2017 reached $ 9,090 per tonne, up 20.7 per cent over the same period in The United States, China and the Netherlands still maintain the top 3 cashew import markets. Vietnam accounts for 33.2%, 18.1% and 12.9% of total cashew exports, respectively. In the first two months of 2017, the markets for cashew nut exports increased sharply (47.1%), United States (30.1%), Australia (25.6%), United Arab Emirates The most (25.6%) and Thailand (12.8%). Industry sector is facing difficulties because of rising raw material prices - Vietnam Continue reading In mid-2016, the price of cashew nuts is only 37,000 VND / kg but up to 50,000 VND / kg. Compared with the current time, each ton has increased about 13 million. The price of raw materials is too high so the small establishments do not dare to "hug" the goods, to buy to buy there, sometimes not buy. ACA to introduce the case of the cashew sector to the Ghanaian Parliament Continue reading On 10th March 2017, a team from the African Cashew Alliance met with the Honorable Augustine Collins Ntim, Member of Parliament of Offinso North Constituency, Ashanti region who was recently appointed as the Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development. Continue reading 28

29 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 Cashew Exports can generate good FOREX for Nigeria NEPC Federal government s efforts to improve earnings from commodity exports received a boost as the Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Olusegun Awolowo charged Valency Cashew Processing Limited to sustain its production capacity and focus more on value-addition for the product. This advice,a statement obtained from NEPC said was given on Monday when the Management team of NEPC led by Awolowo, paid the company a facility visit with the aim to identify areas of intervention on ways to develop and promote cashew a major export product of the Commodity Export Company located at Ibafo, Ogun State. Continue reading Australia's macadamia growers remain optimistic about harvest after Debbie Excessive flooding in macadamia growing regions in Queensland and New South Wales from ex- Cyclone Debbie is not expected to have a detrimental effect on Australia's macadamia crop this year, according to local growers. California pistachio exports: An overview Continue reading Pistachios generally rank in the top-five agricultural exports from California while often ranking in the top-three agricultural exports of Kern County. Pistachios grown in California make up 100 percent of U.S. pistachio exports. Continue reading 29

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33 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 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 Event Name Date of Event City / Country INC World Congress on Nuts and Dried Fruits 19 th - 21 st May 2017 Chennai, India WAPA-Western Agricultural Processors Association SNACKEX Industry Event Summer Food Fancy Show FoodPro Annual Meeting Organised by the European Snacks Association (ESA), SNACKEX is the only 100% focused savoury snacks and snack nut event in Europe. The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food industry trade event in North America, and the premier showcase for industry innovation. For over 50 years, foodpro has supported Australia s food manufacturing industry. 11 th ACA Conference 18 th - 21 st 14 th -16 th June-2017 California 21 st -22 nd June-2017 Vienna, Austria 25 th -27 th June-2017 New York, USA 16 th -19 th July-2017 ICC Sydney, Australia September-2017 Cotonou, Benin 33

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35 Volume 18 Issue 16 Apr 09-15, 2017 REACH OUT TO GLOBAL CASHEW INDUSTRY ADVERTISE IN CASHEW WEEK & 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 35