AU: Sumo ready for Woolies
Sumo Citrus™ Mandarins will appear on Woolworths supermarket shelves next month for the third consecutive year for a limited time.
The fruit will be available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and for the first time in South Australia.
The Australian-grown, seedless Sumo Citrus™ Mandarin is known for its sweet and juicy flesh, but particularly its large size and identifiable "top-knot".
Originating more than 40 years ago, a citrus grower from Japan decided to combine the easy-to-peel nature of the Japanese Satsuma with oranges from California.
Expected volumes this year take Sumo Citrus™ Mandarins to more than 50,000 trays, double that of last year.
This is a result of some of the planted trees beginning to mature, with future volumes expected to continue this growth rate for a few years to come.
Justin Kusselke of Cross Farms Curlwaa, NSW, said it was great news the mandarins would be available again.
"Not only does this show that we had a successful season last year, it also proves that there is appetite among consumers for this deliciously different citrus fruit," Mr Kusselke said.
“The climate and soil conditions in NSW provide us with the ideal location to grow Sumo Citrus™ Mandarins. Each mandarin is individually tested for ripeness before being hand-picked, ensuring only the best fruit makes it to supermarket shelves."
The fruit is expected to be available from July 27.
Source: goodfruitandvegetables.com.au
