What Does WW320 Cashew Mean? Cashew Grades Explained

What Does WW320 Cashew Mean? A Simple Guide to Cashew Grades

30/05/2026 | Tác giả: Admin

If you are new to the cashew industry, you may have come across terms such as WW180, WW240, WW320, or WW450. These codes are commonly used in international cashew trading, but many buyers and consumers do not fully understand what they mean.

In this guide, we explain what WW320 cashew means, how cashew grades are classified, and why WW320 is one of the most popular cashew grades in the global market.

WW320 cashew grade comparison showing WW180, WW210, WW240, WW320 and WW450 cashew kernel sizes — *Comparison of common cashew grades including WW180, WW210, WW240, WW320 and WW450. WW320 is one of the most widely traded cashew grades worldwide.*

What Does WW320 Mean?

WW320 stands for White Whole 320.

The code can be divided into two parts:

WW = White Whole
320 = Approximately 320 kernels per pound (454 grams)

In simple terms, WW320 cashews are whole white cashew kernels, with around 300–320 kernels making up one pound of product.

The lower the number, the larger the kernel size.

For example:

Grade	Approximate Kernels per Pound	Size
WW180	170–180	Very Large
WW210	200–210	Large
WW240	220–240	Medium-Large
WW320	300–320	Medium
WW450	400–450	Small

Because WW320 offers a good balance between size, appearance, and price, it has become one of the most widely traded cashew grades worldwide.

Why Is WW320 So Popular?

WW320 is considered the industry standard for many international buyers.

Several factors contribute to its popularity:

Competitive Pricing

Compared with premium grades such as WW180 and WW210, WW320 is more affordable while still offering attractive whole kernels.

Consistent Quality

WW320 kernels are large enough for retail packaging, snacks, and food processing applications.

Wide Availability

Cashew processors in Vietnam, India, and several African countries produce significant volumes of WW320, making supply more stable throughout the year.

Suitable for Multiple Applications

WW320 cashews are commonly used in:

Retail snack products
Roasted and salted cashews
Bakery ingredients
Confectionery products
Nut mixes
Food manufacturing

Understanding Cashew Grade Terminology

Besides WW320, international buyers may encounter several other grading terms.

White Whole (WW)

White Whole kernels are fully intact cashew kernels with a light color and minimal defects.

Examples:

WW180
WW210
WW240
WW320
WW450

These grades are generally considered premium products.

Scorched Whole (SW)

Scorched kernels have a slightly darker color due to the processing process but remain safe and edible.

Examples:

SW240
SW320

They are often sold at lower prices than White Whole grades.

Broken Grades

Not all cashew kernels remain whole during processing.

Common broken grades include:

Butts
Splits
Pieces
Small Pieces

These grades are widely used in food manufacturing and ingredient applications.

WW320 vs Other Popular Cashew Grades

WW180

WW180 is known as the "King of Cashews."

Advantages:

Very large kernel size
Premium appearance
Higher market value

Disadvantages:

Higher price
Lower availability

WW240

WW240 is another premium grade that offers larger kernels than WW320.

It is popular among luxury gift brands and premium retailers.

WW320

WW320 provides the best balance of:

Quality
Availability
Affordability
Consumer acceptance

This is why many importers choose WW320 as their primary cashew grade.

WW450

WW450 kernels are smaller and generally less expensive.

They are commonly used in food processing and industrial applications.

Vietnam's Position in the WW320 Cashew Market

Vietnam is one of the world's leading cashew processing and exporting countries.

Vietnamese processors export large volumes of WW320 cashews to:

United States
European Union
China
Middle East
Japan
South Korea

Thanks to modern processing facilities and extensive industry experience, Vietnam has become a major supplier of high-quality WW320 cashew kernels for global buyers.

How to Choose the Right Cashew Grade

The best cashew grade depends on your business needs.

Choose WW180 or WW240 if:

Premium appearance is important
You target luxury markets
Budget is less of a concern

Choose WW320 if:

You need a balance between quality and cost
You sell retail snack products
You require stable year-round supply

Choose WW450 or broken grades if:

Cost efficiency is your top priority
The product will be used as an ingredient

Final Thoughts

WW320 refers to White Whole cashew kernels with approximately 300–320 kernels per pound. It is one of the most popular cashew grades in international trade because it offers an excellent balance between size, quality, availability, and price.

For many importers, distributors, and food manufacturers, WW320 remains the preferred choice when sourcing cashew nuts from Vietnam and other major producing countries.