The major anthocyanins found in the pericarp were cyanidin-3-sophoroside and cyanidin-3-glucoside, confirming the brief report of Du and Francis (1977). Our data show at least three cyanidin-3-glycosides, including the pentoside and a further cyanidin with an unidentified residue. Small amounts of the other cyanidin derivatives were detected. Colour development in the outer pericarp was closely correlated with the strongly increasing concentrations of cyanidin-3-sophoroside and the cyanidin-3-glucosides (Fig. 3). The rapid elevation of anthocyanic colour suggests that precursor polyphenolics are readily available for conversion to cyanidins. In the absence of other pigments, the dramatic increase in levels of anthocyanin pigments alone explains the final appearance. Cox et al. (2004) reported a similar increase in cyanidin-3-glucoside which correlated closely with skin colouration of ‘Hass’ avocado.