Apple Grading and Packing: Getting Better Prices at the Mandi

Grading Standards

Grade A: diameter above 65mm, 75%+ red colour, no blemishes. Grade B: 55–65mm, 50%+ colour, minor surface marks allowed. Grade C: below 55mm, any colour, visible scab or russeting. Most HP farmers mix all grades in the same box — this pulls down the average price.

Packing Materials

Use CFB (corrugated fibreboard) boxes of 20kg. Line with foam net wraps for each apple — these reduce transit bruising by 80%. Avoid wooden boxes which add weight and can harbour fungal spores.

Pre-Cooling Before Packing

Field heat removal is critical. Pack in the cool of the morning or in a shaded packing shed. Pre-cooling fruit to 4°C before loading extends shelf life by 4–6 days and reduces transit losses.