What the W Numbers Mean
The "W" in cashew grading stands for "Whole," and the number refers to the count of whole kernels per pound (454 grams). So W320 means approximately 320 whole cashew kernels per pound, while W180 means approximately 180 kernels per pound. The lower the number, the larger the nut, and the higher the price.
This grading system was established by the Association of Food Industries (AFI), formerly known as the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India. It has become the global standard used in cashew trade worldwide, regardless of origin. Whether you are buying Ghanaian cashews, Vietnamese cashews, or Indian cashews, the same grading system applies.
Whole Cashew Grades (White Wholes)
White Whole cashews are the premium category: intact kernels with no significant damage, uniformly white to light ivory in color. Here is the complete breakdown:
| Grade | Kernels per lb | Size Description | Price Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| W180 | 170-180 | King size (largest) | $9,500-$12,000/MT |
| W210 | 200-210 | Jumbo | $8,500-$10,500/MT |
| W240 | 220-240 | Large | $7,800-$9,500/MT |
| W280 | 260-280 | Medium-large | $7,200-$8,500/MT |
| W320 | 300-320 | Medium (most traded) | $6,500-$8,000/MT |
| W400 | 380-400 | Small | $5,800-$7,000/MT |
| W450 | 400-450 | Baby bits (smallest whole) | $5,200-$6,500/MT |
W320 is by far the most traded cashew grade globally, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all cashew kernel trade. It offers the best balance of size, availability, and price for most commercial applications. W240 is the second most popular grade and is preferred by premium snack brands and retail markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Beyond White Wholes: Other Cashew Categories
Not all cashew kernels come out of the shell intact. The processing yield of whole kernels is typically 55-65%, with the remainder classified into split, broken, and piece categories. These are not waste products; they are commercially valuable and widely traded for specific applications.
Splits
- S (Splits) - Whole kernels naturally split into two cotyledons. Used in cooking, baking, and food processing.
- SS (Scorched Splits) - Splits with slight color variation from roasting. Price discount of 15-25% vs white splits.
Butts and Pieces
- B (Butts) - Cross-broken pieces retaining the natural curvature. Used in confectionery and ice cream.
- LP (Large Pieces) - Broken pieces retained on an 8-mesh sieve. Popular in trail mixes and granola.
- SP (Small Pieces) - Broken pieces passing through an 8-mesh but retained on a 10-mesh sieve. Used in food processing and cashew butter.
- SPS (Super Small Pieces) - The smallest usable pieces. Primarily used in cashew paste and butter production.
Scorched Grades
Scorched cashews have a slightly darker color due to higher roasting temperatures during shell removal but are otherwise identical in taste and nutrition. They are graded with the same W-system prefixed by "SW" (Scorched Wholes): SW320, SW240, and so on. Scorched grades typically trade at 10-20% below their white counterparts and are popular in the food service industry where appearance is less critical.
Quality Specifications per Grade
Beyond count per pound, each grade must meet specific quality parameters. Here are the standard AFI specifications:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Moisture content | Maximum 5% |
| Broken kernels | Maximum 5% (for whole grades) |
| Spotted/stained kernels | Maximum 5% (for white grades) |
| Damaged/insect-infested | Maximum 1% |
| Foreign matter | None permitted |
| Shell residue | None permitted |
| Color (white grades) | White to pale ivory, uniform |
Which Grade for Which Market?
Different markets and applications demand different cashew grades. Understanding these preferences helps you source the right product at the right price.
Market Preferences by Region
Europe (Retail Snacking)
Preferred: W240 and W320. European retailers demand consistent size and color. W240 for premium private label, W320 for mainstream retail. Scorched grades for food service.
Middle East
Preferred: W180, W210, W240. The Middle East is the largest market for premium large-grade cashews. W180 "King Size" commands the highest prices here, particularly during Ramadan season.
United States
Preferred: W240 and W320 for retail, Splits and Pieces for food processing. The US market is split between premium whole nuts for snacking and processed grades for trail mixes, cashew butter, and food manufacturing.
India (Domestic)
Preferred: W240, W320, W400. India consumes more cashews domestically than any other country. W320 dominates, but W400 and W450 have a strong market in price-sensitive segments.
Food Manufacturing
Preferred: Splits, LP, SP. Food manufacturers producing cashew butter, trail mix, bakery products, and confectionery use lower grades that offer the same taste and nutrition at 30-50% lower cost than whole kernels.
Understanding KOR (Kernel Outturn Ratio)
If you are buying raw cashew nuts (RCN) in shell rather than processed kernels, the KOR is the most important quality metric. KOR measures the weight of usable kernels as a percentage of the raw nut weight after shelling and peeling. A KOR of 48 lbs means you get 48 pounds of kernels from 80 kg (176 lbs) of raw nuts, or approximately 27.3%.
West African cashew nuts typically have a KOR ranging from 44-52 lbs. A KOR of 48+ is considered good quality. Higher KOR means more kernel per ton of raw nuts, which directly affects the economics of processing. For a deeper dive into KOR and cashew import logistics, see our complete guide to importing cashew nuts.
Price Dynamics Between Grades
The price spread between grades reflects both scarcity and demand. Larger cashews (W180, W210) are naturally rarer because fewer trees produce consistently large nuts. Typically, the price difference between consecutive grades is 10-15%, though this can widen during supply shortages.
In 2025-2026, the cashew market has seen significant price increases across all grades, driven by lower production in West Africa and strong demand from India and the Middle East. The W320 benchmark price has increased roughly 30% year-over-year, with premium grades seeing even steeper rises due to limited availability.
For a full breakdown of all the costs involved in getting cashew nuts from Africa to your warehouse, including freight, insurance, and customs, see our complete import cost guide.
How to Verify Cashew Grade Quality
When receiving a shipment, here is how to verify that the grade matches what you ordered:
- Count test - Weigh 1 pound (454g) of kernels from a random sample and count the number of whole kernels. The count should fall within the grade specification range.
- Visual inspection - Check color uniformity (white grades should be consistent pale ivory), absence of shell fragments, no visible insect damage, and no mold.
- Moisture test - Use a moisture meter to verify the reading is below 5%. High moisture leads to mold development during storage.
- Taste test - Sample a few kernels for rancidity. Fresh cashews should taste sweet and nutty with no bitter or soapy off-flavors.
- Lab analysis - For large shipments, send samples to an accredited lab for aflatoxin, Salmonella, and pesticide residue testing before accepting the lot.
Sourcing Cashew Grades from Origin Direct Group
We supply all standard AFI grades from our processing partners in Ghana. Every shipment comes with a grade certificate, moisture analysis, and food safety test results. We can also provide organic and Fair Trade certified cashews on request. Our most popular grades for European buyers are W320 and W240, but we regularly fulfill orders for all grades from W180 to W450 plus splits and pieces.