In the first quarter of the year, global cashew buyers rarely rush into large commitments.
Before increasing volumes, they conduct a structured evaluation process that goes beyond price and product samples.
Q1 is the period when importers quietly perform due diligence to determine which suppliers deserve larger contracts in the months ahead.
📊 Financial & Operational Stability Checks
Buyers increasingly assess the structural strength of exporters, especially after years of market volatility.
Key questions include:
- Is the supplier financially stable enough to support long-term contracts?
- Can production capacity match projected volumes?
- Is raw material sourcing secured and diversified?
Exporters that demonstrate operational clarity and capacity planning earn early credibility.
🏭 Factory Capability & Compliance Verification
In Q1, buyers focus heavily on factory systems.
They evaluate:
- International certifications such as BRC, HACCP, FSPCA, Halal, Kosher
- Quality control procedures and documentation traceability
- Moisture, breakage, and grading consistency
- Food safety protocols and internal audit discipline
For many importers, compliance is no longer optional. It is the minimum threshold for partnership.
📦 Execution & Shipment Track Record
Past shipment performance becomes a decisive factor.
Importers review:
- On-time delivery history
- Packaging consistency and labeling accuracy
- Container loading standards
- Responsiveness during logistics disruptions
Suppliers that execute smoothly in early shipments are more likely to be considered for scaling.
💬 Communication & Transparency Assessment
Beyond factory and pricing, buyers measure communication discipline.
They observe:
- Speed of response
- Clarity in quotations and contract terms
- Transparency in market updates
- Willingness to share production timelines and constraints
In modern sourcing, transparency reduces perceived risk.
📈 Why Q1 Due Diligence Determines Annual Volume
Importers rarely announce the outcome of their evaluation.
However, by late Q1, they typically finalize their preferred supplier structure for the year.
Exporters who pass early due diligence checks often benefit from:
- Larger repeat orders
- Longer contract cycles
- Stronger negotiation leverage
- More stable cooperation throughout the year
📌 Conclusion
Q1 is not about aggressive expansion.
It is about qualification.
Buyers use the first quarter to filter suppliers based on stability, execution discipline, and transparency.
Exporters that approach Q1 with structured readiness position themselves for sustainable growth across the entire year.
📧 Market & Export Coordination
Email: thanh@svc.vn
WhatsApp: (+84) 909 432 477
🌍 Think Cashew Vietnam, Think SVC.