Understanding Cashew Grades : Why W180 is the Most Premium

Tocco has launched the premium W180 grade cashews - roasted & mildly spicy in artisanal batches - not just an any other product, but working with women-led groups and cooperatives in rural Kerala to bring the best to the world. Here's why we chose the grade W180 for our launch, and why it makes the most premium gifting option for our users.

A great vegan, gluten free healthy snack! 

If you’ve ever wondered why some cashews feel noticeably richer, larger, and more indulgent than others, the answer often lies in a small but important detail: the grade. In the global cashew trade, grades like W180, W240, and W320 are not marketing terms, they are internationally recognised standards that indicate size, quality, and intended use.

If you wish to order already- get them here.

What Does “W” Mean in Cashew Grades?

The “W” in cashew grading stands for White Whole. These are whole, unbroken kernels with a uniform pale ivory colour, free from excessive blemishes. The number that follows refers to how many cashew kernels fit into one pound (454 grams).

In simple terms:

• Lower number = larger cashew

• Higher number = smaller cashew

This is why grading matters. It directly affects texture, mouthfeel, visual appeal, and price.

W320: The Most Common Export Grade

W320 is the most widely traded cashew grade globally. It offers a good balance of size, flavour, and affordability, making it popular for everyday consumption, cooking, and mass-market gifting.

• Around 300–320 kernels per pound

• Uniform, clean appearance

• Widely used by hotels, airlines, and packaged snack brands

While W320 cashews are excellent in quality, they are considered a standard premium, not a luxury grade.

W240: Larger, Richer, More Refined

W240 cashews are visibly larger and creamier than W320. With fewer kernels per pound, they deliver a fuller bite and richer mouthfeel, making them a preferred choice for premium retail packs and festive gifting.

• Around 220–240 kernels per pound

• Noticeably larger size

• More expensive due to lower yield per batch

W240 sits comfortably in the “luxury everyday” category—ideal for those upgrading from standard cashews.

W180: The Rarest and Most Premium Cashew Grade

W180 represents the pinnacle of cashew grading. These are the largest commercially traded cashew kernels, with only about 170–180 kernels per pound. Naturally, this makes them scarce.

Why are W180 cashews so rare?

• Only a small percentage of each harvest yields kernels this large

• Larger kernels are more prone to breakage during processing

• They require exceptional care during shelling, peeling, and grading

Because of this, W180 cashews are often reserved for high-end export markets, luxury gifting, and discerning buyers. They are prized for their buttery texture, visual elegance, and slow, satisfying crunch—qualities that make them unmistakably premium.

Cashew grades are internationally recognised standards based on kernel count per pound. Lower count indicates larger, rarer cashews. Grades larger than W180, such as W150 (approximately 140–150 kernels per pound), do exist but are extremely rare and not consistently available for commercial retail. W180 is the highest premium grade that can be sourced and processed reliably.

Why W180 Is Considered the Most Premium

• Largest commercially traded cashew grade

• Naturally low yield per harvest

• Requires careful, mostly hand-led processing

• Highly prone to breakage if mishandled

• Preferred for high-end export markets and luxury gifting

Tocco’s W180 Cashews

• Sourced directly from Kerala farmers

• Processed in small batches by women-led units

• Hand-graded to preserve size and integrity

• No polishing or artificial whitening

Chosen for those who notice the difference.

Why Processing Matters as Much as the Grade

Achieving a true W180 grade is not just about the nut, it’s about how it’s processed. Even a large kernel can lose its grade if mishandled.

This is where Kerala’s processing heritage, especially in regions like Kollam, plays a crucial role. Traditional hand-processing minimises breakage and preserves kernel integrity- something large-scale mechanised systems often struggle with for bigger grades like W180.

How Tocco Approaches W180 Cashews

At Tocco, W180 cashews are sourced deliberately and in small quantities. The focus is not volume, but precision.

• Raw cashews are sourced directly from farmers and trusted suppliers in Kerala

• Processing is done in small batches, largely by women-led units

• Manual grading ensures only intact, true W180 kernels make the final cut

• No polishing, artificial whitening, or shortcuts, just careful handling

This approach naturally limits scale, but it preserves what matters: authentic size, natural colour, and flavour.

Choosing the Right Grade

• Choose W320 for daily use and cooking

• Choose W240 for refined everyday snacking and festive use

• Choose W180 when you want the finest, whether for yourself or as a premium dry fruit healthy snack, wedding hamper, or corporate gift

In a market where “premium” is often loosely defined, cashew grades offer clarity. And when paired with careful sourcing and traditional processing, they turn a simple nut into something quietly exceptional.