The Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT) has launched the 2025/2026 cashew sales auctions, with the country projecting a harvest of 700,000 tons of cashew nuts. The forecast is higher than last year's target of 500,000 tons, which was exceeded when 528,000 tons were harvested.
CBT Chief Executive Officer Francis Alfred said that more than 45 companies have registered to purchase cashews in auctions to be conducted across producing areas, mainly in the southern regions. The first official launch took place in Mchichira Village, Tandahimba District, in Mtwara Region, and was managed by the Tandahimba and Newala Cooperative Union (TANECU). TANECU General Manager Mohamed Mwinguku said they expect to collect 120,000 tons this season.
The Mtwara, Masasi, and Nanyumbu Cooperative Union (MAMCU) will begin its first auction on November 10, 2025, in the Nanyamba District Council. MAMCU General Manager Biadia Matipa said the union expects to collect 130,000 tons this season.
Last week, CBT postponed the opening of the cashew auctions, which were scheduled to begin on October 31, due to internet challenges. Alfred confirmed that production for 2025/2026 is projected to rise from 595,000 tons in 2024/2025 to 700,000 tons. He attributed the growth to government investment in agricultural inputs and technical support for farmers.
To improve traceability, licensed processors will be required to use sacks bearing their factory logos when purchasing raw cashews at the primary market. Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Unions (AMCOs) and Agricultural and Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) have been instructed to enforce compliance with market entry guidelines.
CBT Chairperson Brigadier General Aloyce Mwanjile said the auctions will be conducted through online bidding facilitated by the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX). "Preparations for the auctions are well-coordinated and include training sessions for farmers to ensure they deliver high-quality nuts," he said.
Tanzania ranks among the world's top ten cashew producers and is one of the leading producers in Africa. Global cashew trade is estimated at 777,115 tons, valued at US$4.6 billion, up from US$2.7 billion five years ago. The main production regions in Tanzania are Mtwara, Lindi, Pwani, Ruvuma, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam.
Cashew nuts remain Tanzania's top export cash crop, generating US$221.1 million in 2019. India has traditionally been the largest importer, accounting for around 66% of exports over the past decade. However, in 2019, Vietnam overtook India, purchasing cashews worth US$197 million, or 89% of Tanzania's total exports.
Tanzania's harvest season runs from October to January, with exports starting in November and peaking in January before tapering off in the following months.
Source: Daily News
