Shortages push up cashew price
The price of fresh cashews has jumped by about 30 percent over the price last year due to shortages of the nut and the fact that the harvest will not get into full swing until early next month. A lack of investment in technology to process the fresh cashews has also pushed up prices. Oum Uon, the president of a cashew nut association in Kampong Thom province, said fresh cashew prices had risen to about 8,500 riel (about $2.12) per kilo, compared with 6,500 riel ($1.60) per kilo last year. He added that the processing, packaging and distribution costs of cashews made up the shop price of $15 to $17.50 per kilo.
