Lemon Sizing & Grade Standards Guide for Importers
Complete guide to lemon sizing standards: count sizes 75-235, grade classifications (A/B/C), EU/US/GCC market requirements, and how to specify the right lemon size for your market.
Introduction
Buying fresh lemons for import is not as simple as ordering “lemons.” The citrus trade operates on precise sizing and grading standards that determine everything from pricing to market acceptance. A container of 235-count lemons priced for the juice industry will fail completely in a Dubai supermarket that demands 88-count Grade A fruit.
This guide decodes lemon sizing standards for B2B importers: what count sizes mean, how grades are assigned, which sizes dominate different global markets, and exactly how to specify sizing when requesting a quotation. Whether you are a first-time importer or a seasoned distributor expanding into new markets, getting sizing right prevents costly shipment discrepancies and buyer rejections.
Understanding Lemon Count Sizes
The Count Size System
In the international lemon trade, fruit size is expressed as “count” β the number of lemons that fit into a standard 15kg export carton. A lower count number means bigger lemons; a higher count means smaller lemons.
Standard Count Size Chart for Eureka/Lisbon Lemons:
| Count Size | Diameter (approx.) | Lemons per Carton | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65-75 | 7.5-8.0 cm | 65-75 | Premium retail display, gift packaging |
| 88 | 7.0-7.5 cm | 80-95 | High-end supermarket, Middle East retail |
| 100 | 6.5-7.0 cm | 96-110 | Standard retail, GCC wholesale markets |
| 113 | 6.0-6.5 cm | 111-120 | European retail, general export standard |
| 125 | 5.5-6.0 cm | 121-135 | EU supermarket, Asian retail |
| 138 | 5.2-5.8 cm | 136-150 | Foodservice, Asian wet markets |
| 165 | 5.0-5.2 cm | 151-175 | Budget retail, processing, catering |
| 200-235 | 4.5-5.0 cm | 176-235 | Juice/peel processing, essential oil extraction |
Diameter vs Count: Quick Conversion
Most importers specify count size, but some markets (particularly EU) use minimum diameter in millimeters.
| Count | Approx. Diameter (mm) | EU Class I Min |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 75-80 | β Well above |
| 100 | 65-70 | β Above |
| 138 | 55-60 | β Just above (53mm min) |
| 165 | 50-55 | β Marginal for EU Class I |
How Sizing is Done at the Packing House
Chinese lemon packing houses use mechanical grading lines with rotating roller sorters:
- Pre-grading: Remove undersized/oversized outliers
- Diameter sorting: Rollers spaced at calibrated gaps drop fruit into size bins
- Weight check: Random carton samples weighed to confirm count
- Color sorting (some facilities): Optical sorter removes green/over-ripe fruit
- Final inspection: QC team spot-checks 2% of cartons per batch
Modern facilities like those in Anyue, Sichuan can grade 20-30 tons per hour with Β±3 count accuracy.
Lemon Grade Classifications
Grade A β Premium Export Grade
This is the top tier for international fresh fruit trade.
Requirements:
- Uniform oval/elliptical shape with a smooth, thin skin
- Bright, uniform yellow color (95%+ surface)
- Zero visual defects: no scars, cuts, bruises, sunburn, or pest damage
- Firm texture with no soft spots
- Minimum juice content: 45%
- Stem intact or cleanly cut flush with the fruit surface
Typical markets: Supermarket chains, premium wholesale, GCC retail, EU Class I, Japan/Korea
Grade B β Commercial Grade
Suitable for general wholesale and foodservice distribution.
Requirements:
- Slight shape variation acceptable (not deformed)
- Minor skin blemishes allowed: up to 1cmΒ² total surface affected
- 90%+ yellow color; slight green tinge at stem end acceptable
- Must still be firm; no decay or internal breakdown
- Same juice content minimum as Grade A
Typical markets: Wholesale distribution, foodservice, institutional buyers, secondary retail
Grade C β Processing Grade
Not typically exported as fresh fruit; used for industrial processing.
Requirements:
- Shape and skin quality not graded
- May include misshapen, blemished, or mixed-color fruit
- Must be sound (no decay) β processing grade does not mean rotten
- Higher juice yield is actually preferred
Typical markets: Juice factories, peel/oil extraction, pectin production, animal feed supplement
Market-Specific Grade Preferences
| Market | Preferred Grade | Common Count | Carton Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE / GCC | Grade A | 88-113 | Branded white carton |
| Saudi Arabia | Grade A | 100-113 | White carton with Arabic label |
| EU (Germany/Netherlands) | Grade A (Class I) | 113-138 | Euroζη 60Γ40cm |
| Russia | Grade A-B mix | 100-138 | Standard 15kg carton |
| Thailand | Grade B | 138-165 | Open-top plastic crate or carton |
| Indonesia | Grade B | 138-165 | Carton with Bahasa label |
| Malaysia | Grade A-B | 113-138 | Standard 15kg carton |
| USA | Grade A (US No.1) | 100-138 | 40lb carton (18.1kg) |
| Japan | Grade A (highest) | 88-100 | Premium individual-wrap tray |
Regional Market Sizing Guide
Middle East & GCC
Gulf consumers are the most size-sensitive lemon buyers globally. Large lemons (88-113 count) are perceived as premium and command higher retail prices. Many Dubai and Dammam wholesalers will reject shipments with >20% fruit below 100 count.
Recommendation for GCC importers:
- Primary SKU: Grade A, 100 count, 15kg carton
- Premium SKU: Grade A, 88 count, branded display carton
- Avoid: Counts above 138 (will be discounted to cooking-grade pricing)
European Union
EU markets are quality-and-regulation driven. Class I lemons must meet EC Regulation 543/2011 standards including minimum 53mm diameter. Northern European buyers are more tolerant of smaller sizes (113-138) than GCC buyers.
Recommendation for EU importers:
- Primary SKU: Grade A Class I, 113-125 count, 15kg Euro carton
- Organic SKU: Grade A, 125-138 count, organic-certified packaging
- Important: Ensure MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) compliance with EU pesticide regulations
Southeast Asia
Price-sensitive markets with high volume throughput. Wet markets and traditional retail dominate. Smaller fruit (138-165) is widely accepted.
Recommendation for ASEAN importers:
- Primary SKU: Grade B, 138 count, 15kg standard carton
- Wet market SKU: Grade B, 165 count, bulk plastic crate
- Supermarket SKU: Grade A, 113 count, branded carton
Russia & CIS
Russian importers prefer medium-to-large fruit with strong yellow color. Grade flexibility (A-B mix) is common. Cold-chain documentation is critical for Russian veterinary/phytosanitary clearance.
Recommendation for Russian importers:
- Primary SKU: Grade A-B mix, 100-125 count, 15kg carton
- Note: Cyrillic label on carton required for retail distribution
- Include temperature recorder log for Rosselkhoznadzor inspection
How to Specify Sizing in a Lemon Quotation Request
When you request a quotation from a lemon supplier, include all of the following:
- Count Size or Diameter Range: “113 count” or “60-65mm diameter”
- Grade: “Grade A” or “EU Class I equivalent”
- Variety: “Eureka” (most common for export)
- Carton Weight/Format: “15kg standard carton” or “10kg display carton”
- Destination Market: “For UAE retail” (helps supplier apply right post-harvest treatment)
- Trade Term: “FOB Qingdao” or “CIF Jebel Ali”
- Volume: “1 Γ 40’ HC reefer (approx. 1,500 cartons, 22.5 MT)”
Example quotation request:
“Please quote: Grade A Eureka lemons, 100 count, 15kg white cartons, FOB Qingdao, 1 Γ 40’ HC container. Destination: Dubai, UAE. Target shipment: September 2026.”
This level of specificity ensures suppliers quote the correct product and reduces the risk of receiving wrong-sized fruit.
Common Sizing Mistakes Importers Make
Mistake #1: Not Specifying Count Size at All
“Just send me Grade A lemons” β this is the most common error. Without count specification, the supplier defaults to whatever is most available, which may not match your market. Always specify count.
Mistake #2: Ordering the Wrong Size for Your Market
A 165-count shipment of beautiful Grade A lemons in Dubai will sit unsold because Gulf retailers want 88-100 count. Know your market’s size preference before ordering.
Mistake #3: Mixing Grades in One Container
Combining Grade A and Grade B in one shipment for cost savings creates pricing and sales complications at destination. Grade them consistently or pack separate pallets clearly labeled.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Seasonal Size Variation
Eureka lemons tend to be slightly smaller during peak summer harvest (July-August) and larger in winter/spring. If you need exactly 88-count, confirm availability for your target shipment month.
FAQ
What are the standard lemon count sizes for export?
Fresh lemons are sized by count per 15kg carton. Common export sizes range from 75 (largest, ~7.5cm diameter) to 235 (smallest, ~5.0cm diameter). Standard commercial sizes are 88, 100, 113, 125, and 138. Most B2B importers order 100-125 count for retail and 138-165 count for foodservice.
What do Grade A, B, and C mean for export lemons?
Grade A (Premium/Export Grade): Uniform oval shape, smooth thin skin, bright yellow color, zero defects, minimum 45% juice content. Grade B (Commercial Grade): Slight shape variation, minor skin blemishes (<1cmΒ² total), 90%+ yellow color. Grade C (Processing Grade): Used for juice/peel/oil extraction, allows shape/skin irregularities. Most fresh fruit importers order Grade A for retail and Grade B for wholesale markets.
Which lemon size sells best in the Middle East market?
Middle East markets (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) prefer larger lemons: count sizes 88-113 (6.5-7.5cm diameter). Gulf consumers associate larger fruit with premium quality. For wholesale markets in Dubai and Dammam, Grade A 100-count is the most popular SKU. Supermarket chains often request 88-count in branded cartons.
How do EU lemon size requirements differ from Asian markets?
EU importers typically order 100-138 count lemons depending on the retail channel. Northern European markets (Germany, Netherlands, UK) prefer 113-125 count for standard retail. EU regulations (EC 543/2011) require minimum 53mm diameter for Class I lemons. Asian markets are more flexible, with Thailand and Malaysia accepting 138-165 count for wet market distribution.
How should I specify sizing when requesting a lemon quotation?
Include: (1) desired count size or diameter range, (2) grade (A/B), (3) carton weight (15kg standard), (4) variety preference (Eureka/Lisbon), and (5) destination market. Example: ‘Grade A Eureka lemons, 113 count, 15kg cartons, FOB Qingdao, for UAE retail.’ This specificity helps suppliers quote accurately and avoids shipment rejection due to size mismatch.
Related Products
- Grade A Fresh Lemons β Premium Export Quality
- Excellent Grade Lemon β Top Tier for Supermarket Chains
- Eureka Lemons β The Standard Export Variety
- 15kg Lemon Carton β Standard Export Packing Specs
Related Guides
- Lemon Wholesale Price: Understanding FOB and CIF Pricing
- China Lemon Price Per Carton β Real-Time Market Reference
- Lemon Import Buying Guide: From Inquiry to Delivery
- How to Import Lemons from China: Complete Procedure
- China Lemon Supplier for Importers β One-Stop Sourcing
Get a Sized Quotation Now
Stop guessing at sizes. Tell us your market, and we will recommend the optimal count size and grade. Our packing house in Anyue runs mechanical grading lines capable of sorting any count from 75 to 235 with Β±3 count accuracy.
Include in your message:
- Your destination country and retail channel
- Preferred count size (if known) or we will recommend
- Target order volume (container count)