Table olives are sized by count: the number of fruits in one kilogram. A grade such as 201/230 means that one kilogram holds between 201 and 230 olives. The higher the numbers, the smaller the olive.
The standard size scale
The International Olive Council trade standard for table olives (COI/OT/NC no. 1) uses fixed count ranges. These are the grades used on olivesuppliers:
60/70, 71/80, 81/90, 91/100, 101/110, 111/120, 121/140, 141/160, 161/180, 181/200, 201/230, 231/260, 261/290, 291/320, 321/350, 351/380, 381/410.
| Size grade (fruits per kg) | Typical description |
|---|---|
| 60/70 – 91/100 | Very large: Gordal, Bella di Cerignola, large Domat and Halkidiki |
| 101/110 – 141/160 | Large: premium stuffed and whole green olives |
| 161/180 – 201/230 | Medium: the bulk of Spanish-style green and Kalamata trade |
| 231/260 – 291/320 | Small: Gemlik black, Picholine, Manzanilla small sizes |
| 321/350 – 381/410 | Very small: salad olives, slicing and paste |
The examples are a guide only: every cultivar is sold in several sizes, and the size depends on the season and the orchard.
How size is measured
Size is counted on a sample of the drained fruit. For pitted and stuffed olives the count refers to the whole fruit before pitting, which is how buyers compare offers. Sliced, chopped and paste products are not sized by count.
Size and price
Larger fruit costs more per kilogram, because fewer trees yield it and it fills fewer jars per kilogram. When comparing quotes, compare the same grade, the same drained weight and the same trade preparation (for example natural black against natural black).
Stating size in a request
- Give one or two adjacent grades rather than a wide range, for example 201/230 or 231/260.
- Say whether the count applies before or after pitting.
- Add the drained (net) weight per unit and the packaging.
- Mention the trade category you need: Extra, First (choice) or Second (standard).