Why source from Japan
Ehime's 90%+ production share; integrated cooperative cultivation and processing infrastructure for Japanese citrus retail.
Key spec
Brix 11-13; acidity 0.9-1.2%; juice 35-40%; medium-easy peel.
Typical end-product
Fresh-fruit retail, premium juice for hospitality, citrus-positioned wagashi.
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
- Ehime (>90%)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- January – March
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Ehime regional brand
- Japanese name
- 伊予柑
- Romaji
- 伊予柑
About this ingredient
Mid-size sweet-tart citrus (Citrus iyo) almost entirely produced in Ehime Prefecture (>90%). Eating quality balances sweetness (Brix 11-13) with refreshing acidity, and the peel is medium-easy. Iyokan is one of Japan's three most-cultivated citruses by volume (after unshu mikan and dekopon). Substantial fresh-fruit retail and processed-juice supply for both domestic and Asian export. Distinct from sweeter dekopon and tarter kabosu / sudachi varietals.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Ehime regional brand |
|---|---|
| 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
Iyokan (Ehime Citrus) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Easier China regulatory path
Iyokan (Ehime Citrus) 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