Sumo Citrus Revamps Image of Unique Fruit

Citrus season is right around the corner: the season for savoring those citrus flavors is January until April. Sumo Citrus is coming in sweet with a citrus fruit that is not an orange, but a mandarin. The world’s largest and sweetest mandarin will be back in stores starting January.

This fruit is born in Japan but raised in California. It is a cultivated citrus fruit that was originally developed in Japan in the 1970s. It became known as “dekopon” in Japan, which defines a hybrid between Kiyomi and ponkan, two other types of citrus fruits in Japan.

Sumo Citrus has a sweet taste, it is easy-to-peel, seedless and does not    make a mess. The fruit is healthy and an easy on-the-go snacking option. The citrusy fruit takes eight months to cultivate. They are hand-pruned, ripened on the tree, harvested in small totes and are delicately handled by farmers in California.

“It’s incredible what they do… Each individual grower’s dedication and passion for creating a superior citrus experience is truly inspiring,” said Rick Johnston, EVP of sales and marketing for Sumo Citrus.

This fruit has been on the market for over ten years, but they have recently revamped their image to appeal to a larger audience. Their new look includes vibrant colors and patterns that represent a Japanese heritage in their logo and packaging.

“We’re extremely excited for this upcoming Sumo Citrus season and to debut our new look, ” said Johnston.

In early 2019, Refinery 29 called Sumo Citrus the biggest fruit trend of the year. They took over stores such as Whole Foods, showcasing their unusual shapes, their easy to peel appeal and burst of flavor.  They also introduced a hashtag for others to share their experiences: “#sumocitrus” on social media platforms. They will be available to buy from retail locations around North America, including Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Target, Kroger and more.

Sumo Citrus’ motto is, “call it big, call it delicious, just don’t call it an orange.”