The truth is, not all cashews are created equal. Behind every bite, there’s a hidden journey - one that involves real people, real communities, and real choices that shape lives. Some cashews pass through exploitative supply chains, where farmers earn pennies, and jobs are shipped offshore. Others, like ours, tell a different story - a story of empowerment, sustainability, and ethical progress.

Trade should be a source of hope, not exploitation." Fairtrade International

This isn’t about labels or trendy buzzwords. It’s about snacking with impact - choosing food that’s good for you and good for the world. So, whether you consider yourself an ‘ethical shopper’ or just someone who cares about fairness, quality, and doing the right thing, come with me on a journey. Let’s follow the path of a Tanzanian cashew - from tree to treat - and discover why your choice matters more than you think.

1. Harvesting: Hand-Picked by Farmers, Not Machines

Cashews start their journey in sun-drenched Tanzanian orchards, where they are carefully hand-harvested by local farmers. Unlike large-scale industrial farms that use mechanical harvesting (often damaging trees and reducing long-term yields), our approach prioritizes sustainability and fair labour practices. 

Our ethical advantage? We ensure that local farmers receive fair pay for their harvests, supporting families and rural communities.

2. Sun-Drying: Nature’s Best Preservative

Once harvested, cashew apples (the fruit that holds the nut) are separated, and the raw cashews are left to dry under the African sun. Sun-drying reduces moisture naturally, preserving the cashews without the need for energy-intensive industrial dryers used by mass producers.

Our Sustainability Perk? No artificial drying, no unnecessary carbon emissions - just the power of the sun.

3. Washing: A Simple But Essential Step 

Before processing begins, cashew nuts are thoroughly washed to remove any surface impurities. Unlike some commercial processors that use chemical washes, we rely on clean water and traditional methods, ensuring a more natural process.

Our small business approach? Many industrial brands pre-treat cashews with chemicals at this stage to accelerate processing. We keep it clean, simple, and chemical-free.

4. Hand-Cracking: Creating Jobs, Not Machines 

Unlike large-scale producers that use machines for cracking, we employ skilled workers to manually crack open the hard cashew shells. This labour-intensive process creates jobs in Tanzania, ensuring that more of the economic benefits stay within the local community.

Our Impact? Did you know that 85% of the world’s cashews are processed in countries like India and Vietnam - but most of these jobs don’t go to the original farmers. We’re changing that.

5. Waste with Purpose: Cashew Shells for Oil, Timber & Bioenergy 

The cashew shell isn’t discarded - it’s a hidden goldmine of sustainability! Traditionally, cashew shells are used to produce cashew nut shell oil (CNSL), a valuable by-product used in industrial coatings and wood preservation.

Our Pioneering Innovation? While most companies stop at CNSL, we’re exploring how cashew shells can be turned into clean bioenergy, a game-changer for sustainable power in Africa. No other cashew brand is doing this.

The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. Robert Swan

6. Keeping It Local: Peeling Done in Tanzania, Not Offshore

After being cracked, the raw cashew kernels are peeled to remove their natural skin - all done by hand in Tanzania. Many large brands outsource this step to offshore processors, where workers often face poor conditions.

Our passion for Africa? We keep processing in Africa, ensuring better wages and more jobs for Tanzanian workers.

7. Boiling to Remove Natural Toxins 

Cashews contain a natural toxin (similar to poison ivy) in their shells. Unlike industrial brands that rely on harsh chemical treatments, we use boiling to naturally neutralize toxins, making the cashews safe to eat without chemical residue.

Our ethical edge? No harmful chemicals, just traditional boiling methods.

8. Drying & Grading: Selling the Best of the Best 

Cashews are then dried and graded according to size, color, and quality. The cashew industry follows a global grading system:

• W180 (“King Cashews”) – The largest, most premium cashews (our gourmet line).
• W210 & W240 – Large, high-quality cashews (our premium line).
• W320 – A smaller grade, that you can find in some supermarkets.
• W450 – The smallest grade, more common in supermarkets.

How do we stand out? We sell only the largest grades, including the coveted W180 - the "ultimate cashew" that mainstream brands rarely offer.

9. Certified, Tested & Packaged in Tanzania 

Unlike many brands that export raw cashews and process them elsewhere, we certify, test, and package our cashews directly in Tanzania. Wondering why this matters? 

✅ Creates local jobs instead of outsourcing to cheaper labor markets.
✅ Supports African industry rather than relying on foreign economies.
✅ Ensures transparency - every cashew you eat is traceable back to its source.

Most mainstream brands package their cashews in India, Vietnam, or even Europe, removing economic opportunities from the farmers who grew them. We’re reversing that trend.

10. Fumigation & Safe Transport 

To prevent pests and ensure food safety, cashews undergo a non-toxic fumigation process before being prepared for export. We use safe, food-grade methods - unlike some brands that rely on heavy pesticide treatments.

Finally, our cashews make their way to the UK, arriving fresh, sustainably processed, and ethically sourced. When you choose our cashews, you’re not just buying a snack - you’re investing in a movement that values people, the planet, and premium quality.

Our method of ethical transportation? Our supply chain prioritizes low-impact shipping, ensuring that environmental sustainability is part of every step.

Why Our Ethical Journey Matters 

Mainstream Brands:
❌ Mechanized farming, reducing jobs for local farmers.
❌ Offshore processing, taking economic benefits away from Africa.
❌ Chemical-based treatments for washing and toxin removal.
❌ Lower-grade cashews, often broken and sold as premium.
❌ No investment in sustainability beyond marketing slogans.

Our Cashew Kindness Range:
✔️ Fair wages & local job creation at every step.
✔️ No outsourcing—processing stays in Tanzania to support African communities.
✔️ Natural, chemical-free methods for washing and boiling.
✔️ Only the highest-grade cashews, ensuring superior quality.
✔️ Innovative use of cashew shells for clean bioenergy - our mission is to pioneer sustainability.

Snack With Impact: Your Choice Creates Change 

Every time you choose our ethically sourced Tanzanian cashews, you’re supporting real families, pioneering sustainability, and ensuring fair pay for farmers. It’s more than just a snack - it’s a step toward a fairer, more sustainable world.

Help us spread the word! Share this blog on social media, tag us @CashewKindness, and let’s get more people thinking about where their food comes from. Drop your thoughts in your post - What surprised you most about the cashew journey? Why does ethical sourcing matter to you? Feel free to use #TanzaKindness #CashewKindness #SnackWithImpact #FairFoodMatters #SustainableSnacking #EthicallySourced #BuyGoodDoGood

Join our movement and make a difference - one cashew at a time!

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Max Lucado