Why Shrimp Count Per Pound Matters for Wholesale Buyers
When placing a container order for frozen shrimp, shrimp count per pound is the single most important sizing specification — and the most commonly misunderstood. Two suppliers can both offer "large shrimp" but mean entirely different size ranges. For importers, distributors, and food service purchasing managers, using the standard count designation removes ambiguity and ensures you receive the product your menu, recipe, or retail customer actually expects.
This guide explains how the count system works, maps every standard size from U/10 to 71/90, shows typical applications for each, and provides a practical reference for wholesale shrimp sourcing from certified Thai shrimp exporters.
How Shrimp Count Per Pound Works
Shrimp count per pound tells you how many individual shrimp pieces fit in one pound (454g) of product. It is measured on the product form being traded — typically HLSO (head-less shell-on), PD (peeled and deveined), or cooked. Two types of count designations are used:
- U/ designation (Under) — "U/10" means fewer than 10 pieces per pound. All pieces are above a minimum weight. Used for premium, large sizes.
- Range designation — "21/25" means 21 to 25 pieces per pound. The most common format for mid-range and commodity sizes.
Important: count is measured on the same product form. A 21/25 HLSO shrimp will count differently from a 21/25 PD shrimp — the shell and head removal changes the weight per piece. Always confirm the product form when comparing counts across suppliers.
Complete Shrimp Size Chart — Count Per Pound Reference
| Size Name | Count Per Pound | Avg. Weight/Piece (HLSO) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colossal | U/10 | 50g+ | High-end restaurant, hotel banquet centerpiece |
| Extra Colossal | U/12 | 38–50g | Fine dining, premium retail display |
| Super Colossal | U/15 | 30–38g | Premium food service, retail showcase pack |
| Extra Jumbo | 16/20 | 23–28g | Restaurant entrée, hotel buffet, premium retail |
| Jumbo | 21/25 | 18–22g | Food service, retail value pack, tempura |
| Extra Large | 26/30 | 15–17g | Broad food service, shrimp cocktail, retail |
| Large | 31/40 | 11–15g | Mass-market retail, casual dining, QSR |
| Medium Large | 41/50 | 9–11g | Processed food, pasta, fried applications |
| Medium | 51/60 | 7.5–9g | Budget food service, processed seafood mix |
| Small | 61/70 | 6.5–7.5g | Salads, pizza topping, processed food |
| Extra Small | 71/90 | 5–6.5g | Soup garnish, noodle products, seafood mix |
Vannamei vs. Black Tiger: Count Differences at the Same Size
Thai shrimp exporters supply two primary species: vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei) and black tiger (Penaeus monodon). At the same count designation, the species differ in shell thickness, muscle density, and yield — which affects your actual serving portion.
| Species | Shell Thickness | Meat Yield (HLSO→PD) | Flavor Profile | Count Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vannamei | Thin | 65–72% | Mild, clean | U/15 through 71/90 (full range) |
| Black Tiger | Thick | 60–68% | Rich, briny | U/8 through 31/40 (large sizes only) |
Black tiger shrimp are not commercially available in small counts (41/50 and above) — the species simply doesn't grow that small in commercial farming. If your application needs 51/60 or smaller, vannamei is the only option from Thai exporters.
Product Forms and How They Affect Count
The count specification is tied to the product form. Here are the standard forms Thai shrimp exporters offer and how they relate to count:
| Form Code | Full Name | Count Note | Typical Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLSO | Head-Less Shell-On | Count measured on this form | EU, Japan, Middle East |
| HOSO | Head-On Shell-On | Count not standard — sold by weight class | Asia (whole display), Japan |
| PD/PDV | Peeled Deveined | Same count code — heavier per piece than HLSO | USA, EU food service |
| PTO | Peeled Tail-On | Same count code — common for butterfly shrimp | USA QSR, food service |
| PUD | Peeled Undeveined | Standard count — cost-efficient option | Budget food service, Asia |
| EZP / Skewered | Easy Peel / Skewer | Count in packaging varies by use case | Retail, BBQ, hotel banquet |
Recommended Shrimp Sizes by Application
Matching the right shrimp count per pound to your intended application avoids costly over-specification (paying U/10 premium for a dish that works with 21/25) or under-specification (buying 51/60 for a restaurant that needs a visible plate presence):
- Fine dining entrée / hotel buffet centerpiece: U/10 or U/15 black tiger or vannamei HLSO
- Shrimp cocktail (retail or food service): 16/20 to 26/30 vannamei HLSO or PD
- Tempura / breaded shrimp: 21/25 to 31/40 vannamei PTO
- Stir-fry / curry (restaurant): 31/40 to 41/50 vannamei PD
- Pizza topping / pasta / salad: 51/60 to 71/90 vannamei PD or PUD
- Processed seafood / pre-made meals: 51/60 to 71/90 vannamei PUD block frozen
FOB Pricing by Count — Thai Vannamei Shrimp 2026
| Count | Form | FOB Bangkok (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| U/15 | HLSO IQF | $12.00–$16.00 |
| 16/20 | HLSO IQF | $9.00–$12.00 |
| 21/25 | HLSO IQF | $7.50–$9.50 |
| 26/30 | HLSO IQF | $6.50–$8.50 |
| 31/40 | PD IQF | $5.50–$7.00 |
| 41/50 | PD IQF | $5.00–$6.50 |
| 51/60 | PD IQF | $4.50–$5.80 |
| 61/70 | PD block | $3.80–$5.00 |
| 71/90 | PD block | $3.20–$4.50 |
Prices are indicative FOB Bangkok/Laem Chabang. Actual pricing depends on order volume, glazing %, and current market conditions. Request a current proforma invoice for your specific count and volume requirement.
Minimum Order Quantities and Lead Times
For wholesale shrimp sourced directly from Thai exporters, standard MOQ and lead times are:
- MOQ: Typically 1 × 40ft reefer container (22–26 MT net weight)
- LCL consolidation: Some certified exporters offer LCL for first-time buyers or trial orders (3–5 MT)
- Standard stock items (31/40 to 71/90 vannamei PD): 7–14 days lead time
- Made-to-order (21/25 and above): 21–35 days from PO confirmation
- Private label / custom packaging: Add 2–4 weeks for artwork approval and packaging procurement
Request a Shrimp Specification Sheet and Sample
Hanuman Seafood is a certified frozen shrimp supplier from Thailand — EU-approved, BRC, BAP, and HACCP certified — supplying importers, distributors, and food service groups in 40+ countries. We supply the full count range from U/15 to 71/90 in vannamei, and U/10 to 26/30 in black tiger.
Contact our export team to request our current price list, product specification sheets, and lab certificates. LCL trial orders available for new buyers.
