Achal Org: Promoting Sustainability Through Organic Cashew Manufacturing & Processing Practices

for any farm to convert to organic. The full credit for this goes to my father, G Giridhar Prabhu, who envi­sioned a future for organic more than 25 years before it became mainstream and gradually developed the project to the level it is at now. Over the last 26 years we have been exporting certified organic kernels to countries like Switzerland, Germany, Japan and South Korea.

To ensure complete traceability and to maintain the highest standards of organic certifications, regular inspections and audits are held at both farm and factory level through IMO Control (IMO India) and we hold or­ganic certifications such as EU, NPOP, JAS, KOR and BIO­SUISSE. We are equipped to export to any country that requires these certifications for their organic cashew import”, further shares Anuja.

A Notch Ahead

One of the most distinctive factors that set the com­pany apart from the competition is its farm-to-table approach where everything from procurement of raw cashew nuts to the final shipment is undertaken by the group personally without any third-party vendors. The group is currently associated with roughly 6000 farmers who are trained by the team at Achal Org and provid­ed the right materials required to convert their cashew farms into organic cashew farms. The farmers harvest the cashew nuts during the season which is then directly purchased from them by the company. The company’s state-of-the-art infrastructure helps in the processing phase and packaging processes, post which the prod­ucts are supplied to consumers through various retail and trade channels including sales through proprietary retail shops as well as the brand’s own e-commerce website.

“We know that it is hard for consumers to know where your food truly comes from. With Achal Org cer­tified organic cashews you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Our cashews are 100 percent certified organic and sourced directly from our own network of 6000+ farmers from the regions of Goa and Maharash­tra. These farmers are dedicated to our organic cashew project. From procuring the raw cashew nut at the right time to drying it correctly to storing and processing it, we pay meticulous attention to every part of the sup­ply chain and process all the way to the last grades that come out. So, we ensure quality on all fronts right from getting the best raw material to the final packaging”, further adds Anuja.

Another differentiating factor lies in the level of per­sonal service that the brand offers to clients. The team at Achal takes time to understand the needs of the various clients and uses this knowledge to curate and suggest the relevant product choices for them based on their needs, especially when it comes to customers that need a particular type or variety of cashew nuts for specific purposes like making sweets or using them as garnishes.

The organization is able to achieve this level of excel­lence across the entire product range with the help of two manufacturing units and all the workers dedicated­ly working in them. From the production team to the ex­port team, sales teams, and a strong management team, Achal Org is manned by the best to deliver the best.

Future Plans

With a legacy going back over 40 years, Achal Org is on a mission to expand awareness about organic food and cashews in India. Cashews, which are thought of to be increasing cholesterol levels, are actually a nutri­tious product that plays no part in increasing a person’s cholesterol levels and cashews have zero cholesterol in them which is proven through accredited lab tests. Studies have even shown that a few cashews a day can be healthy for daily consumption as they contain pro­tein, healthy fats, and energy and are a good source of fiber, manganese, magnesium, and copper. The organi­zation seeks to break the myth that cashews are only a luxury product and intends to promote it for its actual health benefits.

Additionally, the firm is working on increasing aware­ness about organic foods in India. Over 90 percent of the produce generated by Achal is exported abroad despite being a completely Indian product right from raw materials to the final packaged product. The firm aspires to make the Indian audiences more aware of the product and increase the market interest in the product locally as this would also help the farmers. The group also wants to inspire Indian consumers to opt for more organic products by understanding the various benefits that organic farming brings with it. Achal Org is devis­ing new ways to get consumers excited about organic foods, especially cashews. In the coming years, the firm aims to become a household name and with the ded­icated efforts of the entire team, it is only a matter of time before these aspirations turn into reality.

Anuja Prabhu, Director

Anuja Prabhu is the youngest daughter of G Giridhar Prabhu who founded the business with his father Sadanand Prabhu in the early 1980s. She has a background in Marketing and Communications and joined the family business in January 2021. She primarily handles the organic project and export business of Achal and is the Director of the manufacturing unit located in Maharashtra.