Cashew Price Surge in Israel Explained: From Africa to Supermarket Shelves
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Cashews imported to Israel from Africa and processed in Asia are sold at prices up to six times higher than their origin, with 100 grams costing up to 13.67 shekels in Israeli supermarkets. This price increase is due to processing, transportation, and retail markups, with only 27% of raw nuts becoming edible kernels. Israel's cashew imports decreased in volume but increased in average price from 2024 to 2025, with most coming from Vietnam. While bulk purchases can be cheaper, consumers must be aware of quality differences and local pricing strategies to ensure actual savings.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Cashews from Africa cost up to six times more in Israeli supermarkets than at their origin.
- Only 27% of raw cashew nuts remain as edible kernels after processing.
- Israel's cashew import prices rose 16.6% to $7.38 per kg in 2025.
- Most Israeli cashew imports (74%) originate from Vietnam, not Africa.
- Bulk cashews are cheaper but require careful comparison and quality checks.
- Local Israeli market dynamics contribute significantly to final retail prices.
Cashews imported to Israel from Africa, primarily processed in Asia, see their price increase up to sixfold by the time they reach Israeli supermarkets. A 100-gram portion of cashews, costing less than a shekel in Ivory Coast, can reach up to 13.67 shekels in Israeli stores. This significant price hike is attributed to multiple stages in the supply chain, including processing, transportation, packaging, distribution, and retail markups.
After harvesting, raw cashew nuts undergo drying, heat treatment, cracking, and peeling. On average, only about 27% of the initial weight remains as edible kernels. Therefore, approximately 370 grams of raw nuts are needed to produce 100 grams of edible cashews.
Israel's cashew imports have seen a decrease in volume but an increase in average price. In 2025, Israel imported around 6,409 tons of cashews valued at $47.3 million, down from 7,964 tons worth $50.4 million in 2024. The average price per kilogram rose by 16.6% to $7.38. Notably, about 74% of these imports came from Vietnam, although a substantial portion of the nuts processed there originate from Africa, meaning the country of shipment is not always the country of origin.
While bulk cashews appear cheaper than branded packaged ones, with prices ranging from 5.90 to 12.30 shekels per 100 grams compared to 9.27 to 13.67 shekels for packaged varieties, consumers should be aware of potential pitfalls. These include variations in cashew quality based on size and wholeness (e.g., grade 180 for extra-large kernels versus grade 320 for medium), with broken kernels being significantly cheaper. Israeli consumers often encounter labels like "giant," "select," or "premium" without standardized grading, making direct comparisons difficult.
Buying cashews in bulk can lead to savings, but only under specific conditions: comparing the price per 100 grams to packaged options in the same store, pre-determining the quantity needed, ensuring the container is full and regularly replenished, and matching the cashew type to its intended use. Without these considerations, the perceived savings from bulk purchases can be illusory. The article concludes that while cashews travel from Africa via Asia, the significant price disparities found on Israeli shelves are a result of local market dynamics.