Sorting

There are eight different classes:

The evaluation of calibre is on sight, using an average diameter as a standard. When strawberries are sorted by size the ground rule is that a product is sorted when the diameter of the smallest strawberry is at least two thirds of the diameter of the largest strawberry.

The classification according to quality is based on the external characteristics of the supplied strawberries.

Extra: The main quality. This extra quality simply comprises good strawberries: nicely shaped and presented, with good colour, free of sand or disease.

TOP en EE: The TOP and EE qualities represent top-class quality. This produce needs to be of excellent quality and display top class uniformity, as regards size and colour. It goes without saying that presentation is also an important factor. Previous harvest must have a good shelf life.

TOP: The difference between TOP and EE is in the packaging; TOP is supplied in a standard packaging (TOP punnet). The growers places a TOP insert card in every punnet. The growers thus chooses to harvest TOP quality prior to the harvest. TOP is available in calibres 4A  through A.

EE: is supplied in the standard packaging. These strawberries are certified EE class upon inspection. EE is available in principle in all calibres. EE however comes with a crate card, which means that this quality is almost never available in B or C.

Product that does not meet the extra quality requirements will be subdivided in classes 1,2 or 3, depending on the extent to which they deviate from the standard.

Class 1 through calibre A is also supplied with a crate card with the class indication 2. AB1 an C1 come with a small class II card. All small strawberries of class 1 (calibre B and C from different cultivars) are sold together.

Only two sortings are offered in classes 2 and 3 : A(large) and C. Here again there is no distinction between varieties. class 3 is only auctioned by clock at the beginning of the season.