Palm oil grades (CP6, CP8, CP10) indicate color and quality levels of refined palm olein. Understanding these classifications helps buyers select the right product for their needs and budget. This guide explains the differences and applications of each grade.
What Do Palm Oil Grades Mean?
The “CP” designation stands for “Color Palm” and the number refers to the maximum red color value measured using the Lovibond color scale. Lower numbers indicate lighter color and generally higher quality.
Grading System
- CP6: Maximum 3.0 Red Lovibond (premium grade)
- CP8: Maximum 3.5 Red Lovibond (standard grade)
- CP10: Maximum 4.0 Red Lovibond (economy grade)
All grades must meet minimum quality standards for free fatty acids, moisture, and peroxide value regardless of color.
CP6 Palm Olein – Premium Grade
Specifications
- Color (Lovibond): 3.0R maximum
- Free Fatty Acid: 0.05% maximum
- Moisture & Impurities: 0.05% maximum
- Peroxide Value: 1.0 meq/kg maximum
- Iodine Value: 56-58
- Slip Melting Point: 22°C maximum
Characteristics
CP6 is the lightest and clearest palm olein grade. It has excellent clarity, minimal color, and the longest shelf life. The superior quality results from careful refining and bleaching processes.
Applications
- Premium Retail Brands: High-end cooking oil products
- Clear Bottle Packaging: Showcases product clarity
- Food Manufacturing: Products where color matters (light-colored baked goods, sauces)
- Export Markets: Countries with strict quality requirements
- Blending: Premium oil blends
Price Premium
CP6 typically commands a 2-5% price premium over CP10 due to additional processing and lower yield from crude palm oil.
CP8 Palm Olein – Standard Grade
Specifications
- Color (Lovibond): 3.5R maximum
- Free Fatty Acid: 0.1% maximum
- Moisture & Impurities: 0.1% maximum
- Peroxide Value: 2.0 meq/kg maximum
- Iodine Value: 54-56
- Slip Melting Point: 24°C maximum
Characteristics
CP8 represents the most common palm olein grade, offering excellent balance between quality and cost. It has light golden color and good stability for most applications.
Applications
- Mainstream Retail: Most commercial cooking oil brands
- Food Service: Restaurants, hotels, catering
- Industrial Frying: Snack food production, commercial kitchens
- General Cooking: Home cooking, stir-frying, deep frying
- Export Markets: Standard grade for most countries
Value Proposition
CP8 offers the best value for money, meeting quality requirements for most applications without the premium cost of CP6.
CP10 Palm Olein – Economy Grade
Specifications
- Color (Lovibond): 4.0R maximum
- Free Fatty Acid: 0.1% maximum
- Moisture & Impurities: 0.1% maximum
- Peroxide Value: 2.0 meq/kg maximum
- Iodine Value: 52-54
- Slip Melting Point: 24°C maximum
Characteristics
CP10 has slightly darker golden color but maintains all essential quality parameters. The darker color doesn’t affect cooking performance or safety.
Applications
- Economy Retail Brands: Budget-friendly cooking oil
- Bulk Food Service: Large-scale institutional cooking
- Industrial Processing: Where color is less critical
- Colored Bottle Packaging: Masks natural oil color
- Price-Sensitive Markets: Developing countries, bulk sales
Cost Advantage
CP10 is the most economical grade, ideal for buyers prioritizing cost over appearance while maintaining quality standards.
Quality Parameters Common to All Grades
Free Fatty Acid (FFA)
All grades must maintain low FFA levels (0.05-0.1%) to ensure freshness and stability. High FFA indicates oil degradation.
Moisture and Impurities (M&I)
Maximum 0.1% ensures purity and prevents microbial growth. Proper refining removes water and solid particles.
Peroxide Value (PV)
Low peroxide value (1.0-2.0 meq/kg) indicates minimal oxidation and good shelf life. This parameter is critical for quality.
Iodine Value (IV)
Indicates degree of unsaturation. Palm olein typically ranges from 52-58, with higher values indicating more liquid properties.
Factors Affecting Grade Selection
Packaging Type
- Clear PET Bottles: CP6 or CP8 recommended for visual appeal
- Colored/Opaque Bottles: CP10 acceptable, color not visible
- Jerry Cans/Bulk: Any grade suitable for food service
Target Market
- Premium Segment: CP6 for quality-conscious consumers
- Mass Market: CP8 for mainstream appeal
- Economy Segment: CP10 for price-sensitive buyers
Application Requirements
- Light-Colored Products: CP6 preferred
- General Cooking: CP8 or CP10 suitable
- Industrial Frying: Any grade acceptable
Budget Constraints
Price difference between grades is typically 2-5%. Consider whether the premium for lighter color justifies the cost for your market.
Quality Testing and Verification
Laboratory Analysis
Reputable suppliers provide certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch, documenting:
- Color measurement (Lovibond method)
- Free fatty acid percentage
- Moisture and impurities
- Peroxide value
- Iodine value
- Slip melting point
Visual Inspection
While laboratory testing is definitive, visual inspection can provide quick quality assessment:
- Clarity: Should be clear, not cloudy
- Color: Light to golden yellow (varies by grade)
- Odor: Neutral, no rancid smell
- Consistency: Liquid at room temperature (tropical climate)
Storage and Shelf Life
All palm olein grades have similar storage requirements:
- Temperature: Store in cool, dry place (below 30°C preferred)
- Light Protection: Keep away from direct sunlight
- Container: Use food-grade, airtight containers
- Shelf Life: 18-24 months when properly stored
CP6 may have slightly longer shelf life due to lower initial oxidation, but all grades remain stable for 18+ months with proper storage.
Pricing Considerations
Typical Price Differences
Based on current market conditions (prices vary with crude palm oil):
- CP6: Baseline + $20-40 per MT
- CP8: Baseline + $10-20 per MT
- CP10: Baseline price
Volume Discounts
Larger orders (multiple containers) typically receive better pricing regardless of grade. Discuss volume commitments with suppliers for optimal rates.
Making the Right Choice
Select palm olein grade based on:
- Target Market Expectations: What do your customers expect?
- Packaging Strategy: Will color be visible?
- Price Positioning: Premium, mainstream, or economy?
- Application Requirements: Does color affect final product?
- Budget: Is the premium for lighter color justified?
For most applications, CP8 offers the best balance of quality and value. CP6 is ideal for premium positioning, while CP10 serves price-sensitive markets effectively.
Source Quality Palm Olein – All Grades
CV Indolein Perkasa supplies RBD palm olein in all grades (CP6, CP8, CP10) with consistent quality and competitive pricing. We provide:
- Laboratory certificates for every batch
- Flexible packaging options
- Reliable supply and delivery
- Technical support for grade selection
- Competitive pricing for all volumes
Request samples and quotations for CP6, CP8, or CP10 palm olein to find the perfect grade for your needs.
