Bacalhau grade guide — Portuguese and international sizing table

Why bacalhau grades exist — and why they matter in B2B The standardisation of grades in dried salted cod is not an arbitrary convention: it ensures portioning uniformity, yield predictability and comparability between suppliers. In a B2B order without grade specification, the buyer risks receiving product unsuitable for their channel — too small for premium HORECA, too thick for individual portions in fast food. The Portuguese grading system In Portugal, grades are designated by the weight of the whole individual fish. The main grades in commercial use are: Miúdo (under 500 g), Corrente- (500 g–1 kg), Corrente+ (1–2 kg), Crescido (2–3 kg), Graúdo (3–4 kg), Especial (4–6 kg) and Especial Jumbo (over 6 kg). These designations apply to the whole salted dried fish before splitting. The international grading system In international trade, particularly in Norwegian, Icelandic and Faroese exports, grade is expressed as the number of fish per standard 25 kg box. The smaller the number, the larger the individual fish. Reference table: 41–70 fish/box (Miúdo equivalent), 31–40 (Corrente-), 21–30 (Corrente+), 16–20 (Crescido), 13–15 (Graúdo), 10–12 (Especial), 7–9 (Especial+), 4–6 (Especial Jumbo). Which grade for which channel? Fast food and canteens: Crescido grade (1–2 kg, equivalent 16–20 pieces/box). Provides individual portion loins (180–250 g per plate) with a good cost/yield ratio and rapid desalting (up to 48 h). Premium HORECA and speciality restaurants: Especial grade (over 3 kg, 4–9 pieces/box). Loins are wide, uniform and allow high-impact plate presentation. Desalting management requires planning 72+ hours in advance. Mass retail: Graúdo grade (2–3 kg, 10–12 pieces/box) is the best-selling in retail, balancing price per unit weight and workability. Fish processing industry and portions: Miúdo and Corrente- grades for shredded cod (migas), croquettes and pre-cooked products. Lower unit cost per kg, very suitable for industrial transformation. How to specify grade in a B2B order A professional specification should always include: grade designation (Portuguese or international boxes/25 kg), split or unsplit, minimum and maximum weight tolerance (e.g., ±5%), origin (Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands), and species (Gadus morhua or Gadus macrocephalus). Without this information, comparing quotes from different suppliers is technically impossible.