The Dekopon is a premium Japanese citrus hybrid developed in 1972 — a cross between the Kiyomi tangor (sweet orange × satsuma mandarin) and Ponkan mandarin. Shiranui is the official botanical name; Dekopon is the widely recognised common name used across Japan and internationally.

In the USA, the same fruit is marketed under the Sumo Citrus® brand, where it has developed a cult following — attracting coverage from CNN, The New York Times, and NBC's Today show. It commands a significant premium over standard citrus at retail. For manufacturers, this proven consumer appeal makes Dekopon a compelling ingredient for premium product lines, offering a genuine point of difference on the shelf.

Usually grown in greenhouses to maintain a constant temperature, the fruit is harvested during January (wintertime in Japan). Dekopon citrus is highly sought after due to its short season and the degree of care required to grow and harvest each fruit.

The Dekopon is distinguished by its large size, thick bumpy rind, and the protruding 'bump' at the top — the feature that inspired its name ('deko' meaning bump in Japanese). The fruit is easy to peel, sweet, and seedless. The juice has a naturally super-sweet and intensely 'juicy' taste. Where a standard satsuma might measure 12 on the Brix scale, a Dekopon can reach up to 18, delivering an exceptionally sweet juice naturally. The juice has a bold, vibrant colour and offers an exciting premium alternative to standard citrus juices.