Why source from Japan
Dekopon's cooperative trademark (Brix ≥13, acidity ≤1.0%) is uniquely Japanese; premium fresh-fruit export to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore.
Key spec
Brix 13-16 (eating quality 14+); acidity 0.7-1.0%; juice 35-40%; very easy-peel rind.
Typical end-product
Premium fresh-fruit export, premium juice retail, citrus-positioned confectionery.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 100 kg fresh; 10–50 kg juice / processed
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Kumamoto (largest), Ehime, Wakayama, Hiroshima
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- December – April (shipping after stress-aging at low humidity)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; cooperative-trademark 'Dekopon'
- Japanese name
- デコポン / 不知火
- Romaji
- デコポン / 不知火
About this ingredient
Premium Japanese citrus hybrid (Shiranui cultivar of Kiyomi × Ponkan) commercially branded as 'Dekopon' under cooperative trademark. Distinguished by the protruding bump (deko) at the stem, intense sweetness (Brix 13+), low acidity, and easy-peel rind. Kumamoto, Ehime, Wakayama, and Hiroshima are the principal commercial producers. The 'Dekopon' brand requires Brix ≥13 and acidity ≤1.0% for cooperative-trademark use. Substantial premium fresh-fruit export to Asian markets and increasingly the US.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; cooperative-trademark 'Dekopon' |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Dekopon (Shiranui) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Easier China regulatory path
Dekopon (Shiranui) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Matcha Powder
抹茶
MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea)
焙じ茶
MOQ from 20–100 kg (powder); 50–200 kg (loose).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Amazake (Sweet Koji Beverage)
甘酒
MOQ from 50–200 L (bottled) / 20–50 kg (concentrate).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05