VINACAS honours ofi for its partnership and leadership in advancing sustainable cashew processing in Vietnam

Ashok Krishen, Managing Director & CEO of ofi’s Nuts Business.

Strong partnership driving Vietnam’s Cashew Leadership

Over the last 28 years of operations in Vietnam, ofi has partnered with farmers, intermediaries, local authorities, and VINACAS to strengthen Vietnam’s position as the world’s leading cashew supplier.

According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam’s cashew sector achieved a significant milestone with exporting over 723,800 tons of cashew kernels in 2024[2], marking a 12.4% increase in volume compared to the previous year, maintaining its position as the largest cashew exporting country in the world for the 18th consecutive year[3], accounting for over 80% of the total global cashew kernel export output.

ofi operates five cashew factories located in Dong Nai, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai, and works closely with over 3,000 cashew farmer networks to deliver certified cashew products to more than 40 international markets.

Mr. Gaurav Patil - Country Head, ofi Vietnam

Shaping Vietnam’s cashew success story

ofi has helped to play a vital role in shaping Vietnam’s cashew success story, evolving from a leading origin to a global benchmark for sustainable, high-value processing.

ofi was one of the first foreign investor in Vietnam’s cashew industry, starting in 1997. Since then, ofi has worked closely with customers in many key markets to improve product quality and food safety. ofi has also invested in new products, new facilities, and shared technology.

Additionally, ofi has been one of the pioneers in developing value-added, private-label cashew products “made in Vietnam”. The company continues to work closely with farmers and cooperatives to improve farmer incomes and provide customers with products that can be responsibly sourced and traceable.

Mr. Pham Van Cong - President of VINACAS.

Sustainability strategy “Choices for Change” creates shared value

In Vietnam, guided by its global sustainability strategy, Choices for Change, ofi is working to drive long-term positive change for people and the planet together with governments, farmers, civil society, and customers.

ofi’s Vietnam Nuts business has set a target to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, in line with its science-based climate commitment to the 1.5°C goal.

In 2024, ofi worked with over 8,500 smallholder farmers in Vietnam, including over 680 female coffee farmers, 280 female pepper and cassia growers, and 160 female cashew farmers to expand sustainable production. Its ongoing community programs such as ofi Care[4] and ofi YES! Scholarship[5] aid supported over 500 female employees with their health and work-life balance, and more than 350 employees in 2024.

Pham Van Cong - President of VINACAS reaffirmed ofi’s contribution: “ofi has been one of Vietnam’s most reliable and forward-looking partners in the cashew industry for nearly three decades. Through consistent investment in technology, quality, and sustainability, ofi has not only contributed significantly to Vietnam’s export growth but also helped enhance the reputation of Vietnamese cashews in global markets. We value ofi’ s continued collaboration with VINACAS and look forward to further strengthening this partnership to promote Vietnam as a trusted hub for sustainable cashew processing worldwide.”

ofi YES! Scholarship program offering financial aid and educational resources to the children of female employees, ensuring the long-term well-being of their families.

Receiving the recognition, Ashok Krishen, Managing Director & CEO of ofi’s Nuts Business: “This recognition truly belongs to everyone behind Vietnam’s cashew story: the farmers, factory teams, customers and partners who make quality and sustainability real every day. Vietnam has always been more than just an origin for us. It is a place where innovation, dedication, and community come together to set a new standard for the global cashew industry. At ofi, we believe progress happens when business performance and sustainability move in the same direction. This award is a reminder that what we build together here in Vietnam can inspire change across the world.”

Gaurav Patil - Country Head, ofi Vietnam added: “ofi Vietnam’s journey in cashew has always been about partnership, from farmers and employees to VINACAS and government partners who share the same vision for sustainable and responsible growth in food and drink supply chains. This recognition is a moment of pride for every team member who has contributed to making Vietnam’s cashew industry stronger, safer, and more sustainable. Our role now is to keep that spirit alive to continue leading with responsibility, innovation, and care for the people and communities that make this success possible.”

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[1] Established on November 29, 1990, under Decision No. 346/NN-TCCB/QĐ by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - MARD), the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) serves as the national industry body representing Vietnam’s cashew sector domestically and internationally.

[2] Vietnam’s cashew sector achieved a significant milestone with exporting over 723,800 tons of cashew kernels in 2024: From the article “Vietnam remains the world’s leading cashew supplier for 18 consecutive years”, published on 07/02/2025, on https://www.mard.gov.vn/, MARD.

[3] Largest cashew exporting country in the world for the 18th consecutive year: from the article “Cashew industry and new export record”. Published on 10/01/2025, on: https://wtocenter.vn/, Centre for WTO and International Trade, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

[4] ofi Care program, in collaboration with Alive & Thrive (A&T), female employees receive essential health and nutrition support, helping them balance professional and personal responsibilities.

[5] ofi YES! Scholarship program offering financial aid and educational resources to the children of female employees, ensuring the long-term well-being of their families.

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