Mangaluru: To mark 100 years of organised cashew processing in Mangaluru, the Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association (KCMA) will organise the Kaju Centennial Summit 2025 at the TMA Pai Convention Centre from November 14 to 16. KCMA President AK Rao told reporters on Friday that the summit will host an expo featuring 120 showcases of advanced cashew processing machinery and innovative product lines from India and Vietnam.
Union Minister of State for Labour, Employment & MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, will inaugurate the summit. Other dignitaries including Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and Speaker UT Khader are expected to participate.
Focus on industry growth and innovation
Over the three-day summit, industry experts will discuss emerging global market trends, shifting demand from traditional trade to e-commerce and quick commerce, and strategies to increase domestic consumption from 7–8% to 12–13% annually. Discussions will also focus on achieving 2.5 million MT of national cashew production by 2030.
Mangaluru’s legacy in cashew processing
The first organised cashew factory in India was established in Mangaluru in 1925 by the British company Peirce Leslie India Ltd, locally known as the Maidan Factory in Jeppu. In the early years, cashews were exported in tea chests and wooden boxes to Cochin before being shipped abroad, often arriving spoiled.
Innovation in packaging arrived in 1930 with carbon dioxide-infused tin containers, while the mechanical cashew cutting device, famously called Venkappa’s Kattary, was invented by local mechanic Venkappa of Bunder. The steam cooking process, developed locally, is still used worldwide.
From five factories in 1940, the cashew industry in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts grew to over 250 units today. Karnataka’s cashew processing capacity increased from 70,000 MT (1970–1980) to over 500,000 MT today, representing 25% of India’s total processing capacity.
Role of New Mangaluru Port Authority (NMPA)
The New Mangaluru Port Authority has been pivotal in industry growth, facilitating imports that supply states like Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Between April and October 2025, NMPA imported 345,133 MT of cashews, up from 238,880 MT last year, marking a 44% growth. With the East African cashew season beginning, imports are expected to surpass 520,000 MT, nearly 45% higher than the previous season.
Conclusion
The Kaju Centennial Summit 2025 will not only commemorate Mangaluru’s historic contribution to India’s cashew industry but also highlight innovations, market strategies, and the future growth of the sector. The event promises to be a milestone in celebrating a century of excellence and innovation in cashew processing.