The story began in the 1970s in Japan, where a visionary grower sought to create the ultimate citrus experience from the best of the Satsuma, orange, and mandarin varieties. This vision led to Sumo Citrus, a hybrid mandarin with characteristics like no other.

Seedlings were first brought to the United States in 1998. However, Sumo Citrus is one the most challenging varieties of citrus to grow due to its delicate nature. Our expert growers faced an enormous task to nurture these seedlings into fruit-bearing trees.

Our passionate expert growers in California’s Central Valley spent more than a decade perfecting the art of growing Sumo Citrus. This careful craft requires a balance of soil health, sustainable irrigation practices, and navigating the unpredictability of Mother Nature’s weather patterns.

In 2011, when the fruit met our ambitiously high standards for taste, size, and quality, Sumo Citrus made its debut at Whole Foods. Sumo Citrus has since expanded to retailers across the U.S. and ignited a growing community of passionate fans and celebrity champions.

In 2018, the Sumo Citrus growing family expanded to three regions across southern Australia that have ideal conditions for growing citrus. The addition of the Sumo Citrus Australian fall harvest expanded the availability of the beloved fruit each year.