SIAL Paris 2018: Benin cashews attract new buyers

Thanks to the support of BeninCajù, Benin cashews have been showcased at SIAL 2018, the world’s biggest food innovation trade show, for the very first time.
​Over 5 days, Benin processors and potential international buyers have met to discuss and sign new sales contracts of cashew kernels. Once again, the high quality of cashews from Benin was recognised and praised by many. Over 300,000 food industry key players, 7200 exhibitors from 119 countries, and 400,000 products displayed: these are the figures of SIAL Paris 2018. Benin's booth received over 500 visitors and interest from about 300 cashew buyers. The Beninese delegates managed to sell 10 containers of cashews during the tradeshow. Thanks to SIAL, Benin will be exporting nearly 100 20-foot cashew kernel containers in 2019. "BeninCajù's main objective is to help the cashew industry in Benin to diversify its buyers and promote the exceptional quality of its kernels", says Valentin Atchaoué, Transformation Director of BeninCajù. 
Both Tolaro Global (Parakou) and Africa Négoce Industry (Porto-Novo), two processing plants from Benin present at the show, were enthusiastic about their experience: “This was an exceptional opportunity for us! We met new customers from around the world, and signed new contracts. SIAL is a big event that a factory like Tolaro cannot miss. We want to thank BeninCajù for giving us the huge opportunity of being here”, says Jace Rabe, President of Tolaro Global. For the past 7 years, Tolaro Global has been processing cashews in the north of Benin, but this is the first time the company participates to such a trade show.
Beyond: Benin's brand new brand of roasted and salted cashews
Benin cashews are known for their whiteness, size and softness. Cashews in Benin are usually exported to Asia or the USA for processing; on average a cashew nut from Benin travels about 12,000 km before being roasted, salted and packaged. Tolaro Global decided to change this trend and to do so, it created its own roasted and salted cashew brand: Beyond, that was launched at SIAL 2018.  
Beyond cashews only travel 115km to become a high quality easily traceable finished product. They also meet all international food safety standards.
BeninCajù has supported the company in setting up the new roasting unit and launching the brand. SIAL Paris 2018 was a great success for Benin and its delegation and it showed the huge economic and social value that cashews have for the country.
Watch Jace’s interview directly from the trade show!