🔥 Product & Application · Supporting
📅 05 August 2026 ·
🕐 8 min read ·
📍 SVC Group, Vietnam
A320
Roasted grade covered
Base: WW320 kernel
12mo
Typical shelf life
Vacuum packed, ambient
+10โ20%
Premium over raw WW320
Processing value
3
Roast profiles available
Light ยท medium ยท dark
A320 is the most widely traded roasted cashew grade in the world — the roasted equivalent of WW320, and the default base for the majority of flavoured and salted cashew products on retail shelves globally.
This article covers what A320 actually is, its full specification, shelf life behaviour, and the export markets where it performs best.
📋 Specification
What A320 Actually Means
The A prefix denotes a roasted kernel. The 320 refers to the same count-per-pound classification used for raw grades — approximately 300–320 kernels per pound before roasting. A320 is therefore roasted WW320: same base kernel, same size classification, processed through SVC's dedicated roasting line.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Base grade | WW320 — white whole, 300–320 kernels/lb |
| Moisture (finished) | 2.0–3.0% — lower than raw due to roasting |
| Colour | Golden to light amber, depending on roast profile |
| Salt content | Buyer-specified, typically 0.8–1.5% by weight |
| Oil type | Buyer choice — sunflower, rice bran, or dry-roasted (no oil) |
| Broken tolerance | Per AFI standard, buyer-specified tighter tolerance available |
| Shelf life | 12 months vacuum packed at ambient; 6–9 months in retail pouch |
🔥 Roast profiles
Three Roast Levels And What Each Delivers
Light Roast
Pale golden
Minimal colour change, delicate nutty flavour. Preferred in Japanese and Korean markets, and for products where the cashew's natural sweetness should dominate
Medium Roast
Golden amber — most common
The industry default. Balanced colour and flavour development, holds seasoning well, performs consistently across EU, US and Middle East retail
Dark Roast
Deep amber
Pronounced roasted flavour, more visual contrast. Common in snack mixes and products where a stronger flavour profile is intended
Roast profile is documented as a temperature curve, tumbling rate, and duration — not a subjective judgement. This is what makes batch-to-batch consistency achievable across repeat orders.
What Determines A320 Shelf Life In Practice
Roasted cashews have a shorter shelf life than raw kernels because the roasting process exposes oils that then begin to oxidise. Three factors govern how long A320 stays within specification:
Packaging barrier: Vacuum or nitrogen-flushed packaging dramatically extends shelf life versus standard sealed pouches by limiting oxygen exposure
Storage temperature: Ambient storage in tropical destination markets accelerates oxidation. Buyers in hot climates should factor this into their stated shelf life claim
Oil selection: Oil-roasted product using a stable oil (rice bran) holds longer than one using a less stable oil. Dry-roasted product typically holds longest
Salt and seasoning: Salt has a mild preservative effect. Heavily seasoned products may have different shelf life behaviour than plain salted — confirm with your manufacturer per SKU
🌍 Export markets
Where A320 Performs Best
Middle East
Strongest A320 market
Salted roasted cashews are a staple retail and hospitality product across GCC markets. Halal certification essential. Premium pricing accepted for consistent quality
European Union
Growing snack segment
Healthy snacking trend driving roasted nut demand. BRC certification typically required. Lower salt formulations increasingly requested
United States
Large volume, competitive
Established roasted nut market with strong private label presence. FSPCA/FSMA compliance required. Format innovation (single-serve, resealable) matters
Southeast Asia
Fast-growing
Rising middle-class snack consumption. Flavoured variants (chili, cheese, tom yum) often outperform plain salted in this region
💬 CEO Perspective
💬 CEO Perspective
A320 is where most private label cashew programs start, and for good reason โ it is the most forgiving grade to build a product around. Wide availability, predictable cost, and it takes seasoning well. If a buyer is unsure where to begin, this is usually the honest recommendation.
— ๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐
Need A320 samples or a full specification sheet?
SVC can provide roast profile options and CoA documentation for evaluation.
🏭
About SVC Group
BRC · SMETA · Halal · Kosher · HACCP · FSPCA · 700+ MT/month · 72+ countries · Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
Read next
Product & Application · Supporting
OEM & Private Label · Hub
