Sumo Citrus announced it will harvest its largest crop to date this season, running January to April, and double the amount of fruit produced last season. The fruit — derived from satsuma, orange and mandarin citrus varieties — will be distributed across North America.
Sumo Citrus was originally cultivated in Japan in the 1970s by a single grower. The fruit quickly became known as the “dekopon” in Japan. It is now grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
“The growth of the Sumo Citrus brand has completely surpassed our expectations,” said Sunnia Gull, the company’s director of marketing.
Now in its 13th season, the brand will see expanded distribution across the United States and Canada. The company says the fruit is easily recognizable “thanks to its huge size, bumpy, bright orange skin and unique top knot.”
“We’re extremely excited about this year’s crop, not only in terms of its enormous volume but also its exceptional quality,” said Ron Steele, vice president of sales for Sumo Citrus.
The fruit is Non-GMO Project verified and is completely seedless and easy to peel. The company said pricing this season will range from $3.99 to $4.99 per pound. The fruit will be sold individually as well as in bulk bags.
In 2022, the fruit brand saw tremendous growth and received multiple awards from media outlets including Good Housekeeping and The Kitchn. Good Housekeeping named Sumo Citrus 2022 Best Citrus in the Powerhouse Produce category. The Kitchn named the brand a winner in the Produce category of its 2022 Kitchn Essentials Grocery Edition Awards.
A Citrus Industry magazine article in 2021 reported on a presentation about mandarins at that year’s Global Citrus Congress. The presentation noted that the Sumo was brought to California from Japan in the 1990s and requires tender loving care to grow.
Source: Sumo Citrus
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