It’s not just a fruit. It’s an experience.
The story began in the 1970s in Japan, when a visionary grower set out to create the ultimate citrus experience. By combining the best of satsuma, orange, and mandarin varieties, Sumo Citrus was born—a one-of-a-kind mandarin with a legendary taste like no other fruit in the world.
Since then, our expert farmers have perfected the art of growing Sumo Citrus while maintaining ambitiously high standards every step of the way. It’s no wonder the fruit is so beloved by fans.
The Making of a Legend
Our decades-long mission to share the joy of Sumo Citrus began with one incredible vision.
1970
A legendary grower in Japan set out to create something special by combining the best of the satsuma, orange, and mandarin varieties. His vision led to Sumo Citrus—a one-of-a-kind mandarin that is incredibly sweet, seedless, and easy to peel.
1998
Seedlings were first brought to the United States in 1998. Sumo Citrus is one the most challenging varieties of citrus to cultivate due to its delicate nature, but our expert farmers perfected the art of growing Sumo Citrus in California’s Central Valley.
It took more than a decade to nurture seedlings into fruit-bearing trees. Our growers maintain the highest standards for soil health and sustainable irrigation practices as they navigate the unpredictability of Mother Nature’s weather patterns each season.
2011
Sumo Citrus made its debut at Whole Foods in 2011, and has continued to expand to retailers across the US ever since. A passionate community of Sumo Citrus fans has grown each season, fueled by enthusiasm from celebrities and influencers who are obsessed with its flavor and size.
2018
In 2018, the Sumo Citrus growing family expanded to three regions across southern Australia that have the same ideal conditions for growing citrus as California’s Central Valley. The addition of the Sumo Citrus Australian fall harvest expanded the availability of the beloved fruit each year.
Today, our commitment to quality has earned repeated recognition in the Good Housekeeping Healthy Snack Awards. Our community of Sumo Citrus Super Fans has grown into the hundreds of thousands, attracting the attention of nationwide media like Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, TODAY, and more.
the only fruit with a following
Frequently asked questions
Sumo Citrus is a hybrid mix between a mandarin, satsuma, and an orange. It is incredibly sweet, juicy, seedless, and uniquely easy-to-peel.
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