Fruit maturity standards
Maturity standards are concerned with the juice and sugar content of fruit to be sold for consumption as fresh fruit. Domestic and export markets rely heavily on consistency and taste of the products.
These standards are recommended to the Director General by the Agricultural Produce Commission. Grower organisations are notified of these minimum standards annually.
It is an offence for fruit that does not comply with the maturity standards to be sold as fresh fruit for consumption.
View the regulationsCitrus maturity standards
Citrus maturity standards are set on or before 1 April each year.
The maturity standards are based on the three key parameters that affect the taste and acceptability of citrus fruits to consumers:
- juiciness
- sweetness
- balance between sweetness and tartness.
All citrus fruit produced in Western Australia and sold on the fresh market must meet these minimum standards. The minimum standards vary between varieties and different citrus types.
Table grape maturity standards
Minimum standards are set for each variety of table grapes, under Part 5 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Agriculture Standards) Regulations 2013 (the regulations), to ensure consumer satisfaction and encourage repeat sales. The standards apply from 1 September to 31 August.
Minimum standards of maturity for table grapes 2024-25
The Table Grape Producers’ Committee, producers and other stakeholders are notified of the standards annually and inspections are carried out to ensure compliance.
2024/2025 Table Grape Maturity Inspections
Table Grape Producers’ Committee
Inspections
Inspections are carried out by authorised inspectors under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, to ensure compliance. These inspections are conducted at the central markets in Canning Vale, distribution centres and wholesale and retail outlets throughout the state. The minimum standards of maturity for table grapes program is funded by industry via the Table Grape Producers’ Committee.
Background
Legislated minimum standards of maturity for table grapes sold in WA were introduced in 2001, to ensure consumer satisfaction and to encourage repeat sales. According to the regulations, table grapes intended for consumption can only be legally sold as fresh fruit in WA if they are deemed "mature". "Mature" means the grapes must meet or exceed the minimum standard set by the department's Deputy Director General for the specific variety, as determined through an approved testing method. If the fruit does not meet the minimum standard it must not be sold as fresh fruit and if it cannot be sold for processing it may have to be destroyed.
Minimum standards of maturity are set for each variety and are reviewed annually.