Sourcing
Since 1989, we have built exceptional cashew sourcing networks across Asia and Africa. Dedicated teams work in farming communities all year round, providing timely insight on raw cashew nut quality and crop profiles. This is enhanced by long-term relationships with large grower, cooperative and local trader networks, minimizing the risk of supply interruptions for our customers.
We have been running economic, social and environmental impact programmes for several years in Africa. Today, through our sustainability strategy Cashew Trail, we are supporting thousands of farmers in countries including Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana with many of these programs under a flagship sustainability sourcing solution - AtSource, which is powered by Olam. Because we work with the farmers and cooperatives, we can also offer fully traceable Organic and Fairtrade cashews.
Find out more about our goals and targets under Cashew Trail.
Processing
In India and Vietnam, we run fully-mechanized processing facilities that operate under superior safety and hygiene parameters. At the same time, we are pioneers in transferring the experience, skills and technologies to our cashew processing operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
We have shortened process times, minimised control points, and incorporated precision grading and sorting to deliver more consistent quality cashews, customised cashew grades and ingredients as well as Kosher and Organic-certified varieties. Most of our facilities are HACCP and BRC-certified, enabling us to offer our customers full traceability to international standards.
We are the largest cashew processor in Africa. Our efforts to process raw cashew nuts where they are grown is appreciated by governments, customers and other agencies. In addition to providing large-scale employment opportunities, we also run health campaigns, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention initiatives, adult literacy programmes, productivity-based incentive schemes, as well as annual and cultural celebrations with the view of effectively engaging our workforce. Our processing units are based in rural communities and principally offer opportunities for women to directly earn cash incomes.
Read ofi news
The colorful ingredients taking over our plates in 2023
The trend for bold colors and flavors in food and beverages is rising this year. With consumers increasingly exposed to an array of global food trends, including a wide range of exotic flavors and colors, many are becoming more experimental. At the same time, confectionery products, treats, and snacks are often a moment of fun and relaxation in consumers’ daily lives, so they can be a great opportunity for experimenting with new and exciting shades.
Employee Spotlight: Sydney Valla, eCommerce Operations Manager, North America
Sydney Valla was an undergrad at Fresno State when she first discovered ofi (olam food ingredients) at a career fair. They were passing out tomato-shaped stress balls and recruiting new grads for a management trainee program. She signed-up for an interview and the rest is her-story.
What motivates you when you wake up and come into work?
My team! There are six of us who are 100% dedicated to the Spices eCommerce business and we have a combined 35+ years’ experience at ofi. Together, we work to be a solution provider for new and existing customers, put in place processes to help the business grow and overcome any challenges that are thrown our way.
Anything you’d like to add to help others succeed?
Being in numerous different positions throughout my career (supply chain, product line, sales) has made me a more well-rounded employee and allowed me to view problems from many different angles to find better solutions. I’m glad that I joined a company that offered career growth and expansion. Being a sponge during the early stages of my career allowed me to soak up lots of different information.
What has been your favorite moment at ofi so far?
When I was a product line manager, there was a large fast-food chain that featured one of our ingredients in a delicious and highly promoted LTO. It was so cool to go through the drive thru, pick up lunch, and know that one of the products that I helped to sell was in an item that was being sold across the country.
Our company purpose is ‘be the change for good food and a healthy future.’ In what way do you live our purpose through your work?
Through the eCommerce offerings, we can connect with new customers and segments that have previously been difficult to reach. This allows us to work with new customers to make educated purchasing decisions about where their product comes from, our sustainability offerings, and more. Outside of work, I sit on the Board of Directors for the Central California Food Bank which feeds over 300,000 community members in the Central Valley.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Growing for the Future: Safeguarding coffee and cocoa from the climate crisis
Imagine waking up to a world without your morning cup of coffee or being able to enjoy your favorite chocolate. Unthinkable, right? But climate change threatens the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers who grow these everyday ingredients.
That's where HEARTH (Health, Ecosystems, and Agriculture for Resilient, Thriving Societies) comes in. It is a collaborative public-private partnership approach to sustainable development in biodiverse landscapes initiated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Together, USAID, olam food ingredients (ofi), and partners have invested approximately $50 million across six cocoa and coffee projects worldwide, including four HEARTH partnerships. We aim to equip farmers with the right tools and training to transition to more environmentally friendly techniques without sacrificing their livelihoods. There are three key ingredients at the core of HEARTH’s approach to climate action:
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