1. Perceptions of U.S.-Based Cashew Buyers
18-20 Feb 2016, Al Bustan Rotana, Dubai
Perceptions of U.S.-Based Cashew Buyers
Bob Bauer, President
Association of Food Industries
February 2016

2. 18-20 Feb 2016, Al Bustan Rotana, Dubai
Methodology
5 Returned Surveys
Conversations With 4 Other Buyers

3. Supply Origins Breakdown
1. Where do you source your kernels from?
Origin
White Wholes
Scorched Wholes
Pieces
All
Brazil 9
India 1
Vietnam 2 7
Africa

4. Country Grades
How do you rate the overall contract performance of sellers in each of the origins?
(6-consistently excellent; 5- very good; 4-Good; 3-Can be improved; 2- Not reliable; 1- No comments)
Brazil: 5.6
India: 4.2
Vietnam: 3.5
Africa: 3.5

5. Lack of (Steady Supply of) Material Foreign Material
Supply Issues
Lack of (Steady Supply of) Material
Foreign Material
Contract Performance Issues
Inconsistent Grading
Unreliable COAs

6. Typical Product Quality Issues
Foreign Matter
Condition
Sensory
Live
Traceability
(pl. specify)
(incl. moisture)
(odour/colour)
Infestation
Brazil 2 1
India 6 4 8
Vietnam 5 3
Africa

7. Specific Issues Mentioned
Brazil – Stones, High Moisture, Dark Color
India – Hair, Could be Dry, Chemical Off Taste
Vietnam - Blemishes

8. Typical Food Safety-Related Challenges
Accreditation/
Transparency on
Traceability
Certification
Information Sharing
Brazil 3
India 4
Vietnam 6 8
Africa

9. Initiatives Needed in Next 1-2 Years
Pasteurization, Less Foreign Material, Better Packaging, Better Traceability, Eliminate Infestation, Improve Microbiological, Salmonella, eColi, etc., Uniform Grading, Improve Contract Performance, Stop Buying Kernals from Unapproved or Unknown (to us) Factories & Shipping Them as Your Own

10. Biggest Initiative Needed – FSMA Compliance
Preventive Control Plans
Hazard Analysis
Preventive Controls
Monitoring Procedures
Corrective Actions
Verification
Recordkeeping

11. Association of Food Industries www.afius.org Bobbauer@afius.org
Thank You
Bob Bauer, President
Association of Food Industries