A processing platform designed to deepen local employment, strengthen smallholder channels, and meet the environmental and social standards expected by institutional buyers.
Smallholder partnerships
Bissau Kernel Co. sources raw cashew nuts through structured channels that include cooperatives, aggregators, and direct buying arrangements. The aim is to reduce opacity in pricing and improve lot traceability from farm intake to export shipment.
Extension programmes under development will cover moisture management, storage hygiene, and quality preparation so farmers can capture better farm-gate returns while supplying nuts that meet factory intake specifications.
Employment
Recruitment and training programmes will prioritise local hiring from Bissau and surrounding regions. Technical training covers food safety, equipment operation, grading discipline, and workplace health and safety.
Certifications
Status will be updated as each milestone is achieved.
The plant's HACCP plan, hygiene zoning, traceability records and corrective-action procedures are being written against ISO 22000 from the outset, rather than retrofitted later.
Systems being built to the standard ahead of certification audit
European retailers generally require a GFSI-recognised scheme before an own-label listing. BRCGS is the route we are preparing for, and the facility layout, documentation and staff training programme are specified accordingly.
Facility designed to the standard, audit scheduled after commissioning
Organic status depends on the farms as well as the plant. We are mapping cooperative sourcing areas and record-keeping now so that a certified organic line can follow once conversion periods are complete.
Conversion pathway under preparation with partner cooperatives
Direct cooperative purchasing, documented pricing and transparent payment records are the practical requirements. Our procurement structure is built around them.
Sourcing model designed for eligibility
Extension work with smallholders on farm practice, biodiversity and record-keeping is being designed alongside the sourcing programme rather than as a separate exercise.
Farmer engagement programme in design
Environmental stewardship
Cashew shells are a high-calorific by-product that can displace part of the plant’s thermal energy demand. Water recycling and treatment systems are designed to reduce freshwater intensity and manage effluent responsibly.
Governance
Governance disclosures, audit schedules, and lender reporting will be published in line with the project financing close and first annual reporting cycle.