Quality and warehouse readiness take centre stage as CBT targets higher export earnings
By Business Insider Reporter
The Tanzania Cashew Board (CBT) has announced October 19, 2026 as the official start date for cashew nut auctions for the 2026/2027 marketing season, signalling the beginning of what is expected to be a quality-driven and highly coordinated trade period.
According to CBT Director General, Mr. Francis Alfred, the Board has finalized key logistical and regulatory preparations to ensure a seamless season for farmers, traders, and exporters.
“We are fully prepared to receive crop from all major producing regions,” Mr. Alfred said. “Our focus this season is twofold: efficiency in operations and strict adherence to quality standards.”
According to Mr. Alfred projections this season is to harvest a total of 7750,000 of cashewnuts, up from 618,000 tones harvested last season.
Strengthening the value chain
As part of the preparations, CBT has commenced the vetting and accreditation of warehouse operators who will handle storage across cashew-growing regions. The Board has also rolled out capacity-building programs on quality control for warehouse managers and other value chain actors.
Industry analysts note that storage and quality have historically been pain points in the cashew sector. By addressing them early, CBT aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve Tanzania’s competitiveness in premium global markets.
Why quality matters now
With global buyers in India, Vietnam, and Europe demanding higher-grade kernels, quality has become a key differentiator. Mr. Alfred reiterated that maintaining standards will be a top priority for the Board.
“Tanzania’s reputation in the international market depends on the consistency of our product,” he noted. “This season, we are ensuring that every nut that reaches the auction meets the required grade.”
Cashew remains one of Tanzania’s top foreign exchange earners. The crop supports over 300,000 smallholder farmers, primarily in Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma, Coast, and Tanga regions. The sector also contributes significantly to rural employment and government revenue.
Market outlook 2026/2027
The early start date is expected to give stakeholders ample time to plan logistics, financing, and buyer engagement. It also aligns with reforms introduced in recent years, including the centralized auction system and input support for farmers, which were designed to eliminate middlemen and ensure prompt payments.
Global demand for cashew kernels and by-products like Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) continues to grow, driven by food, pharmaceutical, and industrial use. This presents a strong opportunity for Tanzania to increase both volumes and value addition.
CBT says it will work closely with regional governments, cooperatives, and private partners to ensure farmers are educated on proper harvesting and drying techniques ahead of delivery. With these measures in place, stakeholders are optimistic that the 2026/2027 season will deliver better prices, improved farmer incomes, and stronger export performance for Tanzania’s cashew industry.
