Entering the final month of 2025, global importers have begun shifting their attention toward the 2026 purchasing cycle. Early signals from the U.S., EU, China, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific reveal clear expectations for price stability, improved supply planning, and higher demand for value-added cashew products.
As the world’s leading exporter, Vietnam remains at the center of these developments, with buyers closely watching its pricing, processing capacity, and OEM capabilities.
🌍 1. Price Stability Expected Across Whole Grades
Most international buyers anticipate a more balanced price range for whole grades in 2026, especially WW320 and WW240.
Early indicators show:
- U.S. and EU importers prefer stable long-term contracts instead of short spot purchases.
- West Africa’s early crop forecasts suggest a more predictable RCN supply, reducing volatility.
- Vietnam’s strong processing capacity continues to anchor global availability.
Buyers expect narrow fluctuations, with demand shifting toward premium consistency instead of aggressive price competition.
📦 2. Growth of OEM & Retail-Ready Products
Retail-ready cashew products are projected to be one of the fastest-growing categories in 2026.
Key drivers include:
- Expanding supermarket private-label programs
- Demand for PET jar and stand-up pouch formats
- Traceability requirements (QR, batch tracking, origin transparency)
- Shifts from bulk 25 lbs bags to consumer packaging
Global buyers emphasize packaging quality, shelf presence, and diversification of flavors such as honey, chili, cheese, and wasabi.
🇺🇸 3. United States – Expanded Forecast for Roasted & Flavored Cashews
The U.S. market is expected to maintain its role as Vietnam’s largest cashew buyer in 2026.
Signals include:
- Rising snack consumption
- Increased demand for salted roasted and flavored lines
- Renewed contracts from major distributors and e-commerce brands
- Preference for WW320 due to roasting yield and cost-efficiency
Importers seek long-term supply partners with proven consistency and transparent pricing.
🇪🇺 4. Europe – Sustainability & Premium Grade Focus
The EU continues to prioritize:
- Premium grades: WW240, WW210
- Certifications: BRC, FSPCA, HACCP, Halal, Kosher
- Retail packaging in recyclable formats
- Stable moisture and breakage control
Buyers expect Vietnam to maintain high quality while strengthening its sustainability reporting in 2026.
🇨🇳 5. China – Strong Demand for LP & Broken Grades
China’s manufacturing sector will drive higher demand for:
- LP for bakery and confectionery
- Broken grades for food processing
- Select WW320 orders for premium brands
Chinese importers show interest in early contract booking ahead of Lunar New Year.
🌍 6. Middle East & Asia-Pacific – Consistent Growth Trajectory
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Korea, and Japan continue to increase imports of:
- Roasted cashews in PET jars
- Salted roasted skin cashews
- Retail-ready SKUs for supermarkets
- Premium whole grades for gifting seasons
These markets value visual quality, flavor consistency, and strong shelf appeal.
📈 7. Key Buyer Expectations for 2026
Across all major markets, buyers consistently highlight five priorities:
- Transparent pricing with real-time updates
- Consistent quality (moisture, color, breakage)
- Strong OEM capability with fast lead time
- Reliable logistics & container management
- Certifications that match global import standards
Vietnam—and particularly SVC—remains strongly positioned to meet these expectations.
📌 Conclusion
Early buyer signals indicate that 2026 will be a year marked by price stability, stronger OEM demand, and accelerated growth in retail-ready cashew products.
With advanced processing, international certifications, and a transparent pricing model, Vietnam is set to remain the global cashew industry’s leading supplier.
📧 Contact for OEM & Export Coordination: thanh@svc.vn
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 909 432 477
🎥 Factory Video: http://y2u.be/ca8BNlBqwx0
🌍 Think Cashew Vietnam, Think SVC.
Sources
- Vietnam Customs Forecast 2026
- VINACAS Market Update
- AfriCashewSplits Global Outlook
- Importer Feedback (US, EU, China, GCC)