The Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) predicted an increase in the price of raw cashews in 2015 due to a growing demand for the nut for export and processing purposes.

Vinacas urged domestic cashew businesses to establish a brand reputation by ensuring quality control and keeping to delivery dates, while producers should apply sound cultivation techniques to improve the quality of nuts.

During the first eight months of 2014, export volume for processed cashews reached 198,743 tonnes, worth 1.29 billion USD. This represents increases of 20.2 percent in volume and 21.5 percent in value compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam has 338 cashew processors who export their products to more than 80 countries and territories worldwide.

The US, China and the Netherlands are Vietnam’s biggest cashew importers.

In 2013, cashew exports brought home 1.8 billion USD.-VNA