How Export Citrus Is Graded: Class, Calibre and Colour
Class, calibre and colour — what the numbers on a citrus specification sheet mean and how to read them.
A citrus spec sheet has three columns that decide the price: class, calibre and colour. Buyers who understand them get exactly what they ordered; buyers who do not are often surprised at the port.
Class
Class I is the export standard: uniform shape, clean skin, minor blemishes allowed. Class Extra is near-perfect and priced accordingly. Class II is sound fruit with visible skin marks, usually for juicing or price-led markets.
Calibre
Citrus is sized by count per 15 kg carton. Oranges run from calibre 1 (largest, ~48 fruit) to calibre 9 (smallest, ~113 fruit). Gulf retail typically asks for 3–5; European retail for 4–6. Specify the calibre band you want, not just "large".
Colour
Early-season Navel may be de-greened to reach the colour your market expects. Ask for the colour stage on the spec sheet and we photograph each lot before loading.
Residues
All export citrus, whichever origin it ships from, is tested against EU and Gulf MRLs. Certificates of analysis are available per lot on request.