Did you know: Cashews from Togo are characterized by their exceptional quality: They are particularly light in color, almost white, and have a sweet, mild taste that distinguishes them from cashews from other countries of origin.
CASHEWS FROM TOGO
The cashew project in Togo is an example of sustainable growth that combines environmental, economic and social responsibility.
Since 2023, we have been working with our project partner Ibrahim to establish a stable and sustainable value chain.
On a cultivation area of 2,778 hectares, 1,166 small farmers in 57 cooperatives produce high-quality cashews and cashew nuts in accordance with the strict requirements of the EU organic regulation. These farmers cultivate 2,225 hectares of the area, while 553 hectares are directly assigned to the processing factory in Sokodé. The cooperatives are organized in a union in order to comply with the new EU regulations and to increase their productivity and quality through joint training and resources.
Togo offers ideal climatic conditions for cashew cultivation, with the harvest period lasting from the end of February to the beginning of May. During this time, the ripe cashew apples fall from the trees and are picked up by hand by the small farmers. The nuts are separated directly from the apples, collected in sacks and sold to cooperatives, which store them properly.
In the processing factory in Sokode, which employs 150 people, the nuts are dried after delivery, sorted by size and stored. Before processing, they are steamed to loosen the hard shell. After cooling, the nuts are cracked by machine, the kernels are dried, the skin is removed and they are sorted again according to size and quality.
Before export, the cashews undergo strict quality controls, are vacuum-packed and shipped. In Oyten, the goods are checked again before they reach the organic trade.
After an intensive preparation period with training, construction measures and successful BRCGS Food Safety certification, the first delivery of 200 tons of cashews to Europe was made in May 2024. An increase in production to 450 tons is planned for 2025.
In order to further raise organic standards, we are already in the final phase for NATURLAND certification. This certification meets strict ecological and social standards along the entire value chain.
In addition, ten new cooperatives with around 300 other farmers will be included in the project in order to secure the growing demand for raw materials in the long term. However, depending on how their farms have been managed to date, it may take up to three years before they are fully certified and ready to deliver.
OUR CONTRIBUTION
- Certification support: assistance in achieving BRCGS and Naturland certification
- Long-term planning security: stability for production and reliable future planning
- Financial support: provision of resources for project implementation
- Growth prospects: Joint planning for the coming years as a basis for sustainable growth
OUR GOALS
With this project, we are not only creating high-quality Naturland-certified cashews, but also sustainable prospects for the region and its people.
- Securing raw materials: Establishing a stable, sustainable supply chain.
- Naturland certification: compliance with the strictest ecological standards.
- Regional value creation: promoting local processing and economic development.
- Social responsibility: Ensuring fair working conditions.
- Raising living standards: Improving the economic and social situations of everyone involved.
- Long-term partnerships: Building reliable relationships with a focus on mutual growth.
