California households spend more on groceries than those in other states, with an average weekly expenditure of $297.72. However, a retailer in Southern California is now selling a fruit at a price that surpasses this figure.
This fruit is the “Rubyglow” pineapple sold by Melissa’s Produce, priced at a whopping $395.99 each. The exterior of this fruit is pink while the interior is yellow.
This expensive pineapple is produced by Fresh Del Monte, with an annual production volume of only a few thousand.
Fresh Del Monte stated that the “Rubyglow” pineapple is the result of 15 years of research.
According to the “Congressional Mountain News,” in recent years, high-end consumers have shown an increasing interest in luxurious fruits. Products such as Honeycrisp apples, Oishii strawberries, and Sumo citrus, although priced higher than common fruits, are selling very well.
Melissa’s Produce sells a variety of fruits ranging from truffles and mangosteen to kumquats on their website, labeling the “Rubyglow” pineapple as the “pinnacle of luxury fruits,” a “memorable gift” for food enthusiasts.
CNN reported that Robert Schueller, the public relations director of Melissa’s Produce, mentioned that the company initially brought in 50 “Rubyglow” pineapples. To date, approximately half of these have been sold within a month. He mentioned that restaurants in Las Vegas and Southern California are showcasing these fruits to people.
“There is a market for this,” Schueller stated, emphasizing that it is a very niche market.
To attract more attention, Melissa’s has reached out to some influential foodies, including Bo Corley, a popular internet chef.
Corley expressed that pineapple is “absolutely delightful.” “Eating too much pineapple can leave a slightly bitter aftertaste,” he explained, “but the ‘Rubyglow’ won’t have that sensation.”
However, he admitted that it’s not worth $400. Nonetheless, Corley predicted that people would be drawn to its stunning appearance, even if not solely for the taste of the pineapple itself.
“I believe that on the holiday dinner tables this year, especially in affluent households, you will see this ‘Rubyglow’ pineapple as a centerpiece decoration,” he said, indicating that people may be spending money not just for the taste of the pineapple, but to flaunt that they possess it.