12th Vietnam International Cashew Conference 2023 opens

Participating businesses at the function are mainly operating in the fields of cashew production, import and export raw cashew nuts, as well as manufacturing machinery and equipment for the cashew industry.

Pham Van Cong, chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association, pointed out that since being first held back in 2008, the occasion has helped to elevate the brand of "Vietnamese Cashew" worldwide, ramp up export and consumption activities, and consolidate sustainable and long-term relations among global businesses and the Vietnam Cashew Association.

At the two-day event, both experts and business representatives will share information and propose initiatives aimed at helping the cashew industry both locally and domestically to develop in a stable and sustainable manner moving forward.

Vu Ba Phu, director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, said the cashew industry is forecast to continue to face many challenges in the year, while also highlighting the initiative of the Vietnam Cashew Association in terms of organising the event to strengthen connectivity and introduce Vietnamese cashew to global customers and partners.

Amid the trend of rapid changes in consumer tastes, Phu emphasised the need to invest in information technology applications, digital transformation, and e-commerce as a means of expanding their markets.

As major markets have increasingly prioritised green-manufactured products and promoted environmental protection, the cashew industry must be a pioneer in green business and production practices, he noted.

Over the next five years it will be difficult for Vietnamese cashew nuts to enter the high-end market without converting to green production, he stressed.

Michael Waring, vice chairman of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation (INC), pointed out that cashew processors need to work together to boost market expansion and secure a stable consumer base, while simultaneously targeting young consumers in the future.