As the global cashew industry seeks balance between price and quality, the European Union (EU) has seen a sharp increase in demand for WW240 cashew kernels. This is a premium whole white kernel grade, larger in size and higher in value compared to WW320 or WW450.
According to EUROSTAT and data compiled by VINACAS, during the first half of 2025, EU imports of WW240 rose by 12–15% compared to the same period in 2024. This reflects a shift in European consumer trends, favoring premium products, clear traceability, convenient packaging, and internationally certified food safety.
📊 Why is WW240 increasingly popular in the EU?
- Large, uniform kernels: WW240 offers a high ratio of whole, attractive nuts, ideal for premium retail packs such as 500g PET jars or 200–250g zip pouches.
- Changing consumer preferences: European consumers are prioritizing nutritious, minimally processed foods, with cashews positioned as a “superfood.” WW240 fits both taste appeal and nutritional value.
- Premium & gifting trends: WW240 is often chosen for luxury gift boxes, matching consumer demand in Germany, France, and the Netherlands—markets with higher purchasing power.
- Modern retail channels: European supermarkets are expanding their private label cashew offerings, where WW240 is favored for its uniformity and premium positioning.
🌱 Implications for Vietnam’s cashew industry
- Key supplier position: Vietnam supplies over 60% of cashews imported into the EU, with WW240 showing the fastest growth.
- Stable FOB price advantage: WW240 commands a premium of USD 0.4–0.6/kg higher than WW320, giving exporters stronger profit margins, especially when RCN prices fluctuate.
- Global competition: India and Côte d’Ivoire are increasing WW240 exports but still face challenges in quality consistency, certifications, and OEM capabilities compared to Vietnam.
🏭 Opportunities for Vietnamese companies – SVC’s role
- Full international certifications: Companies like SVC are certified with BRC, HACCP, FSPCA, FDA, Halal, and Kosher, qualifying them for strict EU retail systems.
- OEM & Private Label capabilities: SVC offers flexible packaging from 50 lbs industrial vacuum bags to retail-ready formats (zip pouches, PET jars, tin boxes), making it a strong partner for EU retailers.
- Value-added strategy: Beyond supplying WW240, SVC develops salted roasted and flavored cashew lines with sustainable packaging—enhancing competitiveness on EU supermarket shelves.
- Logistics & traceability: Transparent traceability systems and stable logistics networks ensure compliance with EU sustainability and import regulations.
📈 Market outlook for 2026
- Stable growth: EU WW240 imports are projected to grow at a CAGR of 5–6% from 2025 to 2030, driven by retail and private label expansion.
- Sustainable packaging: New EU regulations on recyclable materials require Vietnamese exporters to adapt packaging quickly.
- Product diversification: Alongside WW240, EU demand for flavored cashews and nut mixes is rising, opening broader opportunities for exporters.
✅ Conclusion
The surge in EU demand for WW240 highlights a clear market trend toward premium, sustainable, and traceable cashew products. This presents a strong opportunity for Vietnam’s cashew industry, especially for exporters like SVC, who have invested in certifications and OEM capacity. With WW240, Vietnamese companies can not only secure higher profit margins, but also strengthen their position in the EU’s premium segment.
📧 Contact for OEM & Export (Cashew): thanh@svc.vn
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 909 432 477