National Cashew Day: Emirates Flyers Treats with Indian Cashew Nuts

Today is National Cashew Day and big cheers to all cashew farmers of India which makes the nation proud for being the world’s largest cashew producer of 2019. This year, the focus is on the world’s largest international airline — Emirates and the world’s largest cashew producer- India. The reach of Indian cashews now extends way beyond the country’s shores, to over 150 destinations across 85 countries and territories.

In a recent report, the leading Gulf-based carrier Emirates on Saturday treated its fliers with tasty and munchy Indian cashews marking the World Cashew Day, onboard its passenger jets, an official said.

"We have served the delicious and roasted India cashew nuts to our guests on international and regional flights as a snack and an ingredient in a variety of our cuisine," said the Dubai-based airline in a statement.

The Dubai-based airline specially prepares Indian style masala cashews sourced from Tamil Nadu to get the perfect snack for its First Class and Business Class passengers. As per reports, India exports over 80,000 tonnes of cashew kernels every year, valued at more than $900 million. Around 22 per cent of this revenue comes from cashew exports to the UAE, where Emirates is based.

Indian Cashews Extends Way Beyond the Country’s Shores

Emirates SkyCargo, the airline's cargo division, offering quick shipment service, transported more than 50,000 kg cashew from Kochi to Los Angeles between April and October.

In 2017-18, the UAE accounted for 21 per cent of India’s total cashew exports and became the largest importer of the nut, says a press release from Emirates.

Annually, Emirates serves around 33 tonnes of masala cashews around its global network, and 125 tonnes of mixed nuts, of which cashew is a key ingredient, besides almonds, pistachios and macadamia. This excludes tonnes of cashews the airline buys to include in its regional and international dishes.

Indian cashews on Emirates’ global services to 159 destinations have piqued interest, created awareness and more opportunities for Indian farmers and industry, the release said.

Emirates’ 34 years in India have been defined by progressive investment, partnership and growth. In a 2015 study by The National Council of Applied Economic Research, Emirates’ Indian operations contributed over $848 million annually to the nation’s GDP, supporting over 86,000 jobs and generating about $1.7 billion in forex earnings.

On the other hand, the Emirates Group currently employs more than 13,700 Indian nationals globally, constituting 21 per cent of its workforce, mostly in high-skilled employment.