B2B EXPORTEU & GLOBAL MARKETS
Technical specification
What is the difference between pitted and unpitted prunes?
Choosing between the two formats is a question of sales channel rather than preference. They differ in processing, moisture, quality classes and where the goods are used downstream.
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Direct answer
Which format should you choose?
Unpitted prunes retain the whole fruit and require pit removal for some applications. Pitted prunes undergo an additional operation and are more practical for retail, foodservice and further processing. The current UNECE DDP-07 classifies both presentations as Class I or Class II according to permitted defects.
Decision data
The two formats compared
Pitting is an additional operation and introduces separate tolerances for whole pits and pit fragments. Price, moisture, shelf life and packaging should therefore be confirmed in the product specification, not assumed.
| Property | Unpitted | Pitted |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Drying and grading | Additional pitting |
| UNECE classes, 2025 | Class I or Class II | Class I or Class II |
| Moisture | Stated in the specification | Stated after pitting in the specification |
| Preparation by buyer | Pit must be removed | Ready to use |
| Price and shelf life | Confirmed with the quote | Confirmed with the quote |
| Pit control | Product is identified as unpitted | Whole-pit and fragment tolerances belong in the standard/specification |
Direct answer
How does a buyer choose a format for its channel?
A buyer chooses the format by intended use, labelling requirements, permitted tolerances and its own process. Pitted product reduces handling before use, while unpitted product retains the whole fruit. The RFQ should state the channel and application; availability and parameters are then confirmed in the quotation.
Reference values
Questions by application
This table is not a packaging offer. It shows what a buyer should state to receive a verifiable product specification.
| Channel or application | Information to state in the RFQ |
|---|---|
| Retail | Pitted or unpitted, target net weight and labelling market |
| Foodservice | Use case, expected consumption and packaging format |
| Industrial processing | Process, target calibre, tolerances and technical parameters |
| Whole-fruit sale | Requirement for unpitted product and target class |
| Premium program | Target appearance, calibre, packaging and market |
| Private label | Brand, label, format, volume and planned timing |
Classes and presentations were checked against UNECE DDP-07, 2025 edition. The information describes the standard and the sourcing decision, not a specific SANFRUT batch. UNECE DDP-07 — 2025 edition (PDF)