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S, A or B? How Roe Grades Work for Korean Soy-Marinated Crab
When you import Korean soy-marinated crab (ganjang gejang), the grade on the carton decides what your customer sees when they open the tub. For most US buyers, grade A is the safest starting point, grade S is your premium line, and grade B is the value choice for half-cut and restaurant use. Here is how the grades are set.
Why roe matters so much
Gejang is made from female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). Korean diners pay for the orange roe and the soft meat that soaks up the soy brine. Two crabs of the same weight can look completely different inside, so a written grading rule is the only way to keep every lot consistent.
The three grades
| Grade | Roe | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| S | 100% roe-filled | Premium retail, gift packs, high-end Korean restaurants |
| A | 70% or more | Everyday retail, half-cut trays, most restaurants |
| B | Not guaranteed; full meat yield | Half-cut dishes, food service, price-sensitive channels |
Every crab goes through a first sort by roe and size, then a second sort with a sensory check, done by sorters with 20 years of experience.
Size sorting
Grade is only half of the spec. We also sort by weight per crab:
- Large: 270–320 g
- Medium: 210–260 g
- Small: 180–200 g
A 1 kg tub of whole crab holds two crabs (400 g of crab, 600 g of sauce). A 500 g tub holds one crab.
Matching the grade to your channel
Korean restaurants usually choose grade A half-cut trays (four pieces, 400 g crab plus 600 g sauce). The cut shows the roe, plates quickly and keeps portions even.
Asian grocers do well with a two-tier shelf: grade A as the main item and grade S as a premium option. Clear labels for grade and size help shoppers trade up.
Online stores benefit from photos of the cut face. Grade S or A gives the strongest photos; grade B works when the product page focuses on meat and value.
How grading protects your margin
Complaints about "empty" crab are the most common problem in gejang sales. Consistent grading reduces those complaints. Ask about replacement terms for roe-graded products when you request a quote. Grade B is sold without a roe guarantee, which is why it is priced as a value line.
What to put in your inquiry
To get an accurate quote, tell us the grade or grade mix, size, pack format (whole tub, half-cut tray or cleaned), monthly volume and destination port. You can also ask about how we freeze and ship gejang or go straight to the quote request page.
Frequently asked questions
- Which grade sells best in retail?
- Most retailers start with grade A half-cut trays: reliable roe (70% or more) at a price shoppers accept. S grade works as a premium line.
- Is grade B a lower-quality product?
- No. Grade B uses the same crab and process. Roe is not guaranteed, but meat yield is full, so it suits half-cut dishes and food service.
- Can we order a mixed-grade pack?
- Yes. Mixed packs such as one S and one A crab per 1 kg tub can be quoted on request.
Buying for a store, restaurant or private label?
Tell us the product, grade, volume and destination. We reply with specifications and a quotation.
Request a quote+82 10-2402-4950
