Buyer's Guide to Bulk Cashew Nuts: Grades, Specifications and Packing
By ODOD Sourcing Team · published 2026-10-02 · reviewed for accuracy before publication
Bulk cashew kernels are graded by count per pound for whole kernels (W180 to W450) and by fragment size for pieces (butts, splits, LWP, SWP, baby bits). A usable specification states grade, moisture maximum, count tolerance, defect allowance and packing format, and these are confirmed on every quotation.
- Whole kernel grades (W180-W450) are named by kernel count per pound, with lower numbers indicating larger kernels
- Scorched Wholes (SW) and Dessert Wholes (DW) are colour grades acceptable for processing but not premium retail packs
- Piece grades (Butts, Splits, LWP, SWP, Baby Bits) are classified by fragment size, not kernel count
- Moisture is capped at 5% at loading, and aflatoxin limits vary between the EU and US markets
- Standard export packing is 22.68 kg vacuum-sealed tins, two per master carton, with bag-in-box options for manufacturers
- A 20-foot container typically holds 13 to 15 metric tons of packed cashew kernels
What Do the W180, W240 and W320 Grades Mean?
The number in a whole-kernel cashew grade states how many kernels make up one pound, so a lower number means a larger kernel. W180 (180 kernels per pound) is the largest commonly traded whole grade, followed by W210, W240, W320 and W450, each progressively smaller. The "W" denotes white or whole wholes; kernels are further separated by colour into White Wholes (W), Scorched Wholes (SW, light amber from drying) and Dessert Wholes (DW, a deeper amber still acceptable for processing but not retail packs). Buyers sourcing for retail repack or gifting generally specify W240 or W320 for a consistent visual appearance in the bag; food manufacturers using kernels for paste, biscuit fillings or confectionery often accept SW or DW grades at a lower cost since colour uniformity matters less once the kernel is ground or baked.
How Are Broken and Piece Grades Classified?
Broken and piece grades are classified by the size and shape of the fragment, not by kernel count, and they are priced below whole grades because they carry lower processing cost. The main categories are Butts (B, kernel broken crosswise, roughly half a kernel), Splits (S, kernel split lengthwise along its natural seam), Large White Pieces (LWP), Small White Pieces (SWP) and Baby Bits (BB), the smallest usable fragment before material is downgraded to meal. Pieces are the standard input for bakery mixes, cashew biscuits, trail mixes and jaggery-coated confections, and buyers running these applications can usually work from a defined piece-size range rather than paying for whole-kernel grades. Two piece specifications commonly requested by manufacturers are listed below, and both are available as Cashew Pieces Ivory CST and Cashew Pieces Brazil, differing in colour grade and piece-size distribution rather than kernel origin claims.
What Specifications Should Appear on a Cashew Quotation?
A complete cashew specification states grade, moisture, count tolerance, defect allowance and packing, and a quotation missing any of these should be queried before order confirmation. At minimum, request the grade code (W240, SW320, LWP, etc.), moisture content as a maximum percentage, the count-per-pound tolerance band (for example W320 allowing 300 to 340 kernels per pound), the percentage of broken, discoloured or immature kernels permitted within a whole-grade lot, and whether the kernel is raw or lightly roasted. For food manufacturing buyers, also confirm whether the lot is intended for direct human consumption or for further processing, since defect tolerances differ between the two.
| Grade | Typical count/lb | Moisture (max) | Broken/defective allowance | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W180 | 170-180 | 5% | 2-3% | Retail gifting, premium repack |
| W240 | 220-240 | 5% | 3-5% | Retail packs, snack mixes |
| W320 | 300-340 | 5% | 5-8% | Food service, general retail |
| SW (Scorched Whole) | 240-320 | 5% | 5-8% | Confectionery, baking |
| LWP / SWP (pieces) | N/A (size graded) | 5% | 10% fine/baby bits tolerance | Bakery, biscuits, trail mix |
| Baby Bits (BB) | N/A (size graded) | 5% | up to 100% small fragments by definition | Paste, coating, fillings |
How Is Moisture Content and Aflatoxin Risk Managed in Bulk Cashews?
Cashew kernels are hygroscopic and moisture is controlled to a maximum of 5% at loading to limit mould growth and aflatoxin formation during transit. Aflatoxin tolerance differs by destination market, with the European Union applying a stricter total aflatoxin limit than the United States, so buyers shipping to the EU should confirm the applicable limit on the certificate of analysis before confirming the order rather than assuming a single global standard applies. Kernels are typically vacuum-packed or packed under nitrogen flush in tins or multi-layer poly-lined cartons to slow oxidation and moisture uptake once sealed, and a desiccant or oxygen absorber sachet is standard practice for cartons destined for humid ports or long transit times.
What Packing Formats Are Used for Bulk Cashew Shipments?
Bulk cashew kernels are most commonly packed in 22.68 kg (50 lb) tins, vacuum sealed and packed two tins per master carton, though bag-in-box formats of 10 kg or 12.5 kg are also used for food manufacturing buyers who want smaller unit sizes within a full container load. Export tins are lined to exclude light and air, which matters because cashew kernels contain a relatively high oil content and will develop rancid off-flavours faster than most other nuts if packaging integrity is compromised. For private label or retail-ready orders, pouch sizes from 100 g to 1 kg are available, and finished consumer items such as Cashew Biscuits or Gajak Gud Kaju Roll are packed to the finished product specification rather than the raw kernel standard described above.
How Should Buyers Read a Cashew Nut Specification Sheet?
A specification sheet should be read for internal consistency between grade, count and defect tolerance, since a mismatch between these three fields is the most common sign of a loosely written document. If a sheet lists grade W320 but gives a count tolerance of 400-450 kernels per pound, the grade label does not match the count stated, and the buyer should ask for correction before relying on the document for a letter of credit or import declaration. Specification sheets should also state crop year or production date range, storage conditions prior to shipment, and whether the lot has been fumigated, since this affects organic or chemical-residue claims on the finished import documentation.
What MOQ and Container Loading Applies to Cashew Nuts?
Minimum order quantities for bulk cashew kernels typically start at 500 kg for a single grade and piece specification, scaling up to a full 20-foot container load, though the practical minimum varies by grade, season and destination market. A 20-foot container typically accommodates 13 to 15 metric tons of cashew kernels in tins, depending on tin size and palletisation, while mixed-grade or mixed-product loads consolidating cashews with other dry fruits and nuts are arranged on request. Exact weight breaks, available grades for a given shipment window and packing options are confirmed at the time of quotation rather than fixed in advance, since cashew availability by grade shifts with processing season.
To confirm current grade availability, moisture certification and packing options for your destination, request a quotation through /enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between W240 and W320 cashew grades?
- The number states kernels per pound, so W240 kernels are larger (about 220-240 per pound) than W320 kernels (about 300-340 per pound). W240 is typically chosen for retail packs where kernel size is visible to the consumer, while W320 is a common general-purpose grade for food service and mixed snack use.
- Can I order only cashew pieces instead of whole kernels?
- Yes, piece grades such as Large White Pieces (LWP) and Small White Pieces (SWP) are sold separately from whole kernels and cost less, since they are a standard input for bakery, biscuit and confectionery manufacturing rather than a defect of whole-grade processing.
- What moisture level should bulk cashew kernels have on arrival?
- Export specifications typically cap moisture at 5% maximum at the time of loading. Buyers should confirm this figure on the certificate of analysis supplied with the shipment, since moisture above this level increases the risk of mould growth and aflatoxin development during transit.
- How are bulk cashew nuts typically packed for export?
- The standard format is a 22.68 kg (50 lb) vacuum-sealed tin, packed two tins per master carton. Bag-in-box formats of 10 kg or 12.5 kg are also available for manufacturers who prefer smaller handling units within a container load.
- What is the minimum order quantity for bulk cashew kernels?
- Minimum order quantities typically start around 500 kg for a single grade and specification, scaling up to a full container load. Exact minimums vary by grade, season and destination, and are confirmed at the time of quotation.
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