Oct 20,2023
Established in the early 2000s, Nepal Kaju Udhyog has undergone remarkable growth, expanding its workforce from just five employees to a dedicated team of thirteen. This visionary enterprise stands as Nepal's first and foremost cashew processing plant, importing raw cashews from India, processing them, and delivering the finished product to the Nepali market. Founded by Pramod's father, Pramod now leads the enterprise, infusing it with contemporary business expertise.
The main clientele of Nepal Kalu Udhyog is the wholesale market, particularly through its partnership with Salesberry and its network of branches. Additionally, the company supplies its high-quality cashews to 13 other retail outlets, two confectionery shops, numerous local stores, and individual customers. Currently, the company's operations are focused in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, with an extension of distribution to Pokhara through Salesberry.
However, despite its innovative approach to cashew processing, Nepal Kaju Udhyog also faces intense competition from Indian suppliers who offer their cashews at a lower price, retailing at Rs. 1300 per kilogram, compared to Nepal Kaju Udhyog's pricing at Rs. 1600 per kilogram. Also, high excise duties pose a significant hurdle, as the tax rates on both raw materials and finished cashews from India closely mirror each other, making it tough to compete with imported goods. Furthermore, the frequent border disruptions affecting the import of raw cashews from India add an additional layer of complexity to their operations.
Nevertheless, in a commitment to sustainability, Nepal Kaju Udhyog seeks to find ways to minimize waste generated in the cashew processing. Presently, the company produces 20 kilograms of processed cashews from every 100 kilograms of raw materials. It is actively exploring the acquisition of specialized machines to recycle cashew waste and produce valuable cashew oil. Moreover, the company plans to diversify its product range, potentially introducing walnuts under its brand name.