LGS Specialty Sales Launched Chilean Dekopon Program
The company introduced its Darling Dekos brand to provide fruit during the late summer and early fall months.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Organic Food
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LGS Specialty Sales began shipping Chilean-grown Dekopon mandarins to the United States in August 2026. The program aims to satisfy consumer demand for the Shiranui cultivar during a period when supplies were previously unavailable.
Why it matters
Retailers identified a gap in the supply chain for this specialty citrus, prompting the move to utilize counter-seasonal harvest cycles. By sourcing from Chile, the company ensures availability during late summer and autumn.
The program currently ships 12 containers annually via New Jersey, with plans to reach 200 containers by 2030. The Shiranui cultivar utilized for this program was originally developed in Japan in 1972.
The players
LGS Specialty Sales
An importer and distributor that specializes in providing fresh fruit to the North American market.
The details
LGS Specialty Sales manages the supply through its Darling Dekos brand, importing fruit directly into New Jersey for domestic distribution. This initiative effectively extends the reach of the fruit beyond the traditional winter window of January through April.
Timeline
1972: The Shiranui citrus cultivar was first developed in Japan.
January-April: Established winter Dekopon supply calendar.
August 2026: Darling Dekos shipments began from Chile.
August-October: Darling Dekos retail availability window.
2030: Target of 200 containers shipped annually.
Culture Shift
The introduction of Chilean-grown mandarins highlights a broader societal transition toward year-round access to fresh, seasonal produce. This program follows the counter-seasonal agricultural import model by filling domestic production gaps with Southern Hemisphere supply.
Shoppers can expect increased availability of premium Dekopon mandarins at retailers throughout the late summer and fall seasons. This shift minimizes the traditional gap in access to the fruit that previously limited purchase options to the early spring.
The takeaway
The move to globalize supply chains allows retailers to meet specific consumer preferences regardless of local harvest limitations. Consumers benefit from a consistent supply of specialty produce throughout the year.
Further reading
Learn more about sourcing trends in the Organic Food section.
More information
View product details and availability on the LGS Specialty Sales Dekopon product page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
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