 Kashi nuts. The hidden cost of production. Alongside the dramatic rise in health-conscious and vegan diets, Kashi nuts are fast becoming the world's favourite nut. But does this rise in demand come at a greater cost? Keep listening to find out more about the working conditions of Kashi processors in India, the hidden cost of Kashi processing, and how we as consumers can make a difference. 10 Kashi nuts suppliers. India is a key figure in the global Kashi nut trade. A food product with a market value at some $6.27 billion. Alongside Vietnam, India is the largest grower, processor, and supplier of Kashi nuts to international markets. In fact, in 2016, India and Vietnam accounted for 73% of the world share. So next time you buy Kashi nuts, check the packet. It's likely there from India. Global popularity of Kashi nuts. Farming and processing Kashi's took off in India in the early 20th century, making Kashi nuts available to wealthy Western consumers by the 1920s. Since then, Kashi nut sales have skyrocketed. Between 2017 and 2018, over 790,000 metric tons were eaten worldwide, a 32% increase compared to a decade ago. To put this into perspective, the world ate the weight of nearly 100,000 double-decker buses of Kashi's that year. In fact, the nut has become so well established that it is now the third most consumed nut in the world, falling just behind almonds and walnuts. Kashi nuts on the rise. Being both highly nutritious and versatile, the Kashi nut has found itself in steep demand and a particular favorite in the US and Germany, the world's top importers. More recently, external forces at work have seen the Kashi catapulted into the main stage. With the rise of health-conscious as well as vegan and dairy-free diets, the nut has become a central ingredient in food like vegan cheese, nut milks, butter and energy bars. In fact, out of all nuts, Kashi imports have increased the most recently. In 2017, the European import value of Kashi nuts surpassed Hazelnuts for the first time ever. The numbers speak for themselves. Research commissioned by the Vegan Society found that the number of vegans in the UK has quadrupled between 2014 and 2019. A report by British supermarket chain Sainsbury's has even predicted that by 2025, vegans and vegetarians will make up a quarter of the British population. The Kashi nut catch. While the shift to plant-based alternatives could be considered a win for dietary health, if you scratch beneath the surface, this boom in demand comes at a cost often paid by the Kashi processors, which in India is a 90% female workforce. As demand rises, buyers, largely supermarkets looking to maximize profits, pressure Indian suppliers to lower costs, who in the face of intensified market competition tend to oblige. Investigative research, including a detailed report by ActionAid, has revealed the incredibly low wages female processors often receive for their hard work. Paid by weights of Kashi rather than by hour, a kilo of shelled Kashi's can pay just five cents. While in some supermarkets, the price of Kashi nuts per kilo can be around 10 euros. Unfortunately, low wages are not the only concern. Kashi nut processing is extremely labor-intensive and health-threatening work. To cook costs, factory owners often ignore basic health and safety, putting more workers at risk of permanent physical injury. Kashi nuts complex supply chains At the heart of the problem lies a complex supply chain where people at every level, from consumers to the buyers, importers, exporters and suppliers, are looking to make a profit. Unfortunately, this often results in negligible profits for those at the bottom of the chain. In this case, the processors. What's more, supermarket demand for low prices pushes importers to buy Kashi nuts from cheap, unregulated processing units where adequate working conditions and fair pay are not secured. What will make a difference? Don't worry, this isn't a call to urge you to boycott Kashi nuts altogether, especially since many workers depend on the industry as a crucial source of income. Rather than renouncing the nut, it is important that, as consumers, we recognise the amount of work that has gone into Kashi nut production, and use our wielding position to encourage supermarkets to review their supply chains and ensure they only work with suppliers who are complying with basic working conditions. As Nazneen Kanji, author on the subject, an independent researcher explains, the demand needs to come from consumers wanting to know about supply chains, how retailers are managing them, and whether they are guaranteeing certain labour conditions. However, since the largely female workforce typically comes from impoverished, marginalised communities, they are often dependent on any available local work, which further reduces their bargaining power when rallying for better pay and working conditions. For this reason, increased consumer advocacy needs to be coupled with change at a local level. Community NGOs and workers unions must press the Indian government to enforce pro-working laws, adequate health and safety, as well as fair wages. This two-pronged approach would make all the difference. Kanji tells us, NGOs and local organisations need to work with the government to promote the industry as an important source of employment for women, and insist on basic labour and safety standards. This is what will really help. Do you feel inspired to ask your local supermarket about their product supply chains? Let us know in social media linked in the description box. This article was written by Molly Melvin and read by me, Kate Mack, originally posted on foodunfolded.com. Food Unfolded explores the stories behind the food on our plate, reconnecting us to the origins and sustainability of our food. Co-funded by the EU, empowered by EIT Food.