Vietnam Cashew Market Intelligence| June 9th, 2026
LP Cashew Kernels: Understanding Practical AFI Market Specifications
One of the most common questions in today’s kernel market is:
What defines a good quality LP under AFI standards?
In practice, different factories, inspectors, buyers, and sellers may use different sizing methods. Therefore, understanding the actual commercial specification is more important than relying on a grade name alone.
What is LP?
LP (Large Pieces) refers to large broken cashew kernel pieces commonly used in:
* Bakery products
* Food ingredients
* Seasoning applications
* Industrial food processing
* Roasted and flavored products
The value of LP is determined mainly by:
* Piece size
* SP content
* Color
* Defect level
* Moisture
Practical LP Specification Used in the Market
Based on AFI references, industry practice, and current inspection methods used by many factories and buyers, a commercial LP grade is generally expected to consist primarily of pieces:
* Retained on a 6.3 mm square sieve
* Below approximately 8.0 mm
In simple terms:
LP should mainly fall within the 6.3 mm to 8.0 mm size range.
Why Not Require Everything Above 8 mm?
Because pieces larger than 8 mm are often considered:
* LWP (Large White Pieces)
* Higher-value large piece grades
From a commercial perspective, most shippers will not intentionally remove all pieces above 8 mm from an LP lot because:
* Additional sorting increases processing cost.
* Yield losses increase.
* Larger pieces carry higher value.
As a result, a normal LP shipment may naturally contain some pieces larger than 8 mm.
Allowance for Material Below 6.3 mm
In real commercial trade, LP is rarely 100% retained above 6.3 mm.
A practical allowance is commonly accepted.
Typical market practice:
Up to approximately 10% material below the 6.3 mm sieve.
This reflects normal production realities where complete separation between LP and SP is not economically achievable.
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Practical Commercial LP Specification
A typical commercial LP lot may be described as:
* Predominantly retained on a 6.3 mm square sieve
* Mainly within the 6.3 mm – 8.0 mm range
* Maximum 10% passing below 6.3 mm (SP allowance)
* Uniform color appearance
* Moisture according to contract specification
* Defect levels according to buyer requirements
What Buyers Should Verify Before Discussing Price
Before comparing prices, buyers should clarify:
1. Is the lot inspected using square sieves or round sieves?
2. What SP allowance is included?
3. What sieve sizes are being applied?
4. What defect level is guaranteed?
5. What is the moisture specification?
Only after these points are clearly defined should price comparisons be made.
Market Insight
Many LP price discussions are actually quality discussions.
A higher-priced LP with:
* Larger pieces
* Lower SP content
* Better color consistency
may generate better processing yield and higher value than a cheaper LP with excessive SP and chips.
Professional buyers typically evaluate:
**Size → SP Allowance → Defects → Moisture → Price**
rather than starting with price alone.
*This market note is provided for reference purposes only. Final specifications, sieve methods, tolerances, and inspection procedures should always be confirmed in the sales contract before shipment.*