As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer season, if you're hoping to indulge in a popular fruit to beat the heat, it's going to cost you.
A particular pineapple is causing quite a stir this season after supplier Fresh Del Monte started selling it for $395.
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Rubyglow pineapple, grown exclusively by of Melissait is a mix between a normal pineapple and a Morada pineapple (which is usually inedible).
The fruit, which was previously only available in Asia, features the typical yellow center of the pineapple with a distinctive ruby red outer shell. The rare fruit went viral and is now completely sold out.
A look inside the pineapple. (of Melissa)
“A rare gem, 15 years in the making, Rubyglow boasts a unique pedigree born of meticulous cultivation and traditional crossbreeding,” according to Melissa's website. “Melissa's is proud to be the only distributor to offer this incredible fruit.”
Fresh Del Monte, the fruit's distributor, said only 5,000 pineapples will be available for purchase in 2024 and another 3,000 will be available in 2025. The fruit is grown in Costa Rica.
“Its extreme exclusivity—only a few hundred were brought to North America—combined with its red leather exterior and sweet, yellow interior led to a brisk sellout,” said Jesus Rodriguez Calvo, SVP of Del Monte for North American sales. tODAY. “We already have a waiting list for the next set of luxury fruits and love seeing consumer excitement. We anticipate Rubyglow pineapples becoming available again in early August and around the December holidays for the gift-giving season.”
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It remains to be seen whether the popular fruit will increase in price – after all, the franchise is sweet.