Fruit Industry Color Standards

Accurate fruit color quantification is crucial for produce processors and exporters. Correctly assessing color helps agricultural professionals understand when to harvest fruits so they arrive on the shelves at the pinnacle of appeal for consumers. Chromatic and spectral data capture also allows manufacturers to adhere to industry or regulatory standards, supporting safe consumption and conformance with these mandates.

What Color Standards Apply to Fruit?

The primary color standards for fruit come from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fruit processors use these guidelines to help establish grades and gauge maturity. For example, apples must meet a specified color level to carry designations like Extra Fancy and No. 1. Similar standards exist for other produce.

Fruits slated for export must also meet standards set by the receiving jurisdiction. For instance, European Union Rule 2023/2429 establishes the color requirements for citrus fruits, chili peppers, berries, and more.

ColorFlex L2 Is the Best Solution for Meeting Standards

Spectrophotometry is ideal for objective, scientific color measurement through reflectance. This method allows for accurate spectral data collection and quantification without sample destruction, preventing unnecessary produce waste.

HunterLab's ColorFlex L2 simplifies measurements while delivering tangible value from day one. We've developed this color spectrophotometer for maximum ease of use. It's ready to work straight out of the box, with built-in training wizards and setups that enable operation within minutes. User-friendly Essentials 2.0 software further speeds up chromatic quantification and tristimulus and spectral data set analysis.

The ColorFlex L2 also features a precision, high-resolution camera for rich imagery. The guides assist users with sample presentation to ensure greater measurement accuracy.

Additionally, our ColorFlex L2 eliminates the need for software running on a separate PC, making this model a fully independent color workstation. The industry's largest database of fruit color indices and scales  allows for fast and easy analysis to verify conformance with tolerances. As another efficiency improvement, it comes with a suite of connectivity ports that facilitate data sharing. Quickly export data or integrate directly with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Statistical Process Controls (SPCs) to aid trend analysis.

Leverage Over 70 Years of Expertise With HunterLab

We've manufactured the world's best spectrophotometric solutions for color quality control for over seven decades. Our devices offer the accuracy and insights global fruit industry processors need to meet industry standards and customer perceptions of quality and taste.

Connect with our experts to request a quote on the ColorFlex L2 or for assistance identifying the right spectrophotometer for your color workflows.