A Buyer's Guide to Squid Grading and Size Specifications

Squid grading is one of the most misunderstood aspects of seafood procurement. Buyers often specify a size range without understanding how count-per-kilo, cleaning method, and cut type interact to determine final usable yield.

At Antonio Marine Exports, every lot is graded by size — from U5 (under 5 pieces per kilo) down to 40-60 pieces per kilo for smaller calamari applications — and by cleaning grade: whole round, cleaned whole (beak and quill removed), or cut to tubes, rings, steaks and tentacles.

Getting this specification right upfront avoids costly rework at your processing facility and ensures consistent yield across every container. Our export team works with new buyers to translate your target retail or menu format into the correct size and cut specification before the first shipment leaves port.