The Kerala Horticulture Department is set to open a new factory in Muliyar, Kasaragod, dedicated to producing cashew fruit syrup and carbonated beverages under the brand name "Oceana." The facility will have the capacity to produce nine lakh bottles annually, with each 300 ml bottle priced at ₹25.
The factory, funded under the Central Government's Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), will utilize cashew apples harvested from the region's extensive cashew plantations. Typically, cashew apples are discarded after extracting the seeds, but this initiative aims to turn the fruit into a profitable product.
Cashew fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering several health benefits such as boosting immunity, maintaining heart health, and preventing dehydration. The "Oceana" beverage is expected to be a hit in the market, particularly due to its health-enhancing properties.
The factory will be inaugurated by Kerala's Agriculture Minister, P. Prasad, on September 2, with local dignitaries and experts from the cashew industry participating in the event. The launch will also feature discussions on the challenges and opportunities in cashew cultivation, including improving yield and market strategies for value-added products.