In the cashew nut business, choosing the best time to purchase can directly affect a company’s profit for the entire year. Many importers and supermarket supply chains have experienced buying at the price peak simply because they were not familiar with Vietnam’s seasonal production cycle.

So when are cashew prices the lowest and most stable during the year?

The answer lies in understanding the natural harvesting cycle of Vietnam’s cashew industry.

Vietnam’s cashew price cycle: Understanding the best time to buy.

In Vietnam, the cashew harvest season typically runs from February to May, depending on the region. After the early harvest period, the market gradually enters a more stable phase.

The best time to buy cashews: From April to September.

This period is often considered the golden window for importers and supermarket processors because:

• Raw material are abundant
• Factories operate at full capacity
• Competition for purchasing gradually decreases
• Prices become more stable
• Cashew kernels reach their freshest and best quality of the year.

With a stable supply, businesses can negotiate better prices, plan inventory more effectively, and reduce the risk of sudden cost in increases.

Why are prices higher at the Beginning of harvest season and End of the year?

1. Early Season (Around Mid-February):

Although harvesting begins during this time, the early season often faces several market pressures:

• Old-season stock is almost depleted
• Many companies rush to secure supply for upcoming contracts
• Traders raise prices because supply has not yet fully met demand

The mindset of “buy early to be safe” can quickly heat up the market. When supply is still limited, higher prices are inevitable.

2. End of the year (Around Mid-November)

Toward the end of the year, the raw material supply declines significantly. At this time:

• Many factories have already run out of standard stock
• Kernel quality tends to decrease compared to early- and mid-season products
• The risk of inventory loss increases if large quantities are stored.

This is generally not the best time for long-term purchasing, as late-season cashews may not maintain the same freshness, color, and flavor as those processed earlier in the year.

Advice for importers and supermarket processors.

If your goal is to secure:

• Stable and competitive prices
• High-quality cashews
• Reliable delivery planning
• Reduced exposure to market volatility

Then the best time to plan purchases is between April and September.

This is when the market is at its most balanced, making it an ideal period to negotiate pricing and place orders.

How Dong Phu Cashew support our partners?

With years of experience in the cashew industry, Dong Phu Cashew does more than simply sell products. We work alongside our partners to help them plan the best time to purchase and manage supply efficiently. We offer:

• Direct raw material sourcing from Binh Phuoc, Vietnam, the country’s leading cashew region
• An export-standard processing factory
• Custom processing for supermarkets and private label brands
• A professional export-import documentation team
• Market insights on price trends and seasonal purchasing strategies

For importers, we provide:

• Seasonal pricing updates
• Flexible contract options
• Quality inspection according to international standards

For supermarket processors, we support:

• Custom packaging an private branding
• Retail-standard packing solutions
• Production planning for peak seasons (New Year, Christmas, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.)

Buying Cashews is not just about price – It’s about strategy

The best price is not simply the lowest price on a given day.

The best time to buy is when you secure the right quality, during the right season, with the right partner.

If you are planning your cashew purchases for this year, this is a good moment to start the conversation early – especially as the market is entering its most stable period.

Dong Phu Cashew is always ready to share transparent information, provide market updates, and help you build the most effective purchasing strategy.