Chilean Dekopon Mandarin Imports Expanded Market Access
A new program brings these specialty citrus fruits to the U.S. market during the late summer and fall months.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Organic Food
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In August 2026, LGS Specialty Sales launched the Darling Dekos brand to supply Chilean-grown Dekopon mandarins to the United States. This program addresses consumer demand for the fruit during the late summer and early autumn months.
Why it matters
The program leverages Southern Hemisphere harvest cycles to bridge gaps in availability for this cultivar, which is traditionally harvested during the winter. This development provides consistent access to the fruit for shoppers outside of the peak winter season.
LGS Specialty Sales initiated a program utilizing 12 shipping containers of the Shiranui cultivar in 2026, with plans to scale to 200 containers by 2030. The viability of this counter-seasonal model relies on current import capacity vs. projected growth targets.
The players
LGS Specialty Sales
An importer and marketer of citrus and fruit products that manages supply chains for specialty produce.
The details
The program relies on the counter-seasonal harvest cycle, where fruit grown in Chile matures during the Northern Hemisphere’s late summer. The Shiranui cultivar, first developed in Japan in 1972, is imported through New Jersey to reach U.S. retail channels. By aligning the Chilean growing season with the U.S. market’s off-peak calendar, the company maintains supply throughout August, September, and October.
Timeline
1972: The Shiranui citrus cultivar was first developed in Japan.
January-April: The established winter Dekopon supply calendar.
August 2026: Darling Dekos shipments began from Chile.
August-October: The designated Darling Dekos retail availability window.
2030: Projected target of 200 containers shipped annually.
Health Landscape
This initiative marks an expansion in the availability of the Shiranui citrus cultivar, which has historically been limited to a winter-seasonal cycle. The program shifts the market presence of this fruit, extending its accessibility as a year-round produce option.
The introduction of off-season fruit varieties offers more options for incorporating seasonal produce into your diet during the late summer months. Consult your local retailer to check if these specific specialty mandarins are available in your area.
The takeaway
The expansion of counter-seasonal imports makes it easier to find specialty citrus like Dekopons outside of the traditional winter harvest. When shopping for produce, look for seasonal availability calendars to track when your favorite nutrient-dense fruits are at their peak freshness.
Further reading
Learn more about seasonal produce trends in our Organic Food section.
More information
View product details and availability information on the LGS Specialty Sales Dekopon product page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
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