Households in California are already spending a hefty $297.72 per week on groceries, making it the most expensive state for food. But now, a single fruit is causing even more sticker shock at a SoCal retailer. The Rubyglow pineapple from Melissa’s Produce is priced at an eye-watering $395.99. This luxury fruit, with its pinkish-red exterior and yellow interior, is a rare find as only a few thousand are produced each year by Fresh Del Monte.
Fresh Del Monte spent 15 years researching the Rubyglow pineapple before introducing it to the market. Initially available only in China, the company decided to bring it to the U.S., targeting high-end consumers who have shown interest in pricey luxury fruits like Honeycrisp apples, Oishii strawberries, and Sumo Citrus.
Meanwhile, grocery prices in April saw a decrease for the first time in 12 months, according to the Labor Department. The consumer price index for food at home dropped by 0.2%, marking a significant shift from months of stable prices. This trend reflects a changing landscape for food prices, particularly in states like California where luxury fruits are making waves in the market.
Vocabulary List:
- Hefty (adjective): Large in amount size intensity or extent.
- Sticker shock (noun): Surprise at the high price of a product.
- Luxury (noun): The state of great comfort and extravagant living.
- Rare (adjective): Not occurring often; uncommon.
- Introducing (verb): Presenting or announcing for the first time.
- Index (noun): A numerical scale for measuring or representing values.
