From heart-shaped watermelons to "Ruby Roman" grapes, which are the size of a ping pong ball, this retailer specializes in selling mouth-watering produce at eye-watering prices. "It is not only an important part of their diet, but, perhaps more importantly, fruit is considered a luxury item and plays an important and elaborate ritual part in Japan's extensive gift-giving practices." Rarity is a tactic also employed by the producers of Japan's " Ruby Roman " grapes, who offer just 2,400 bunches of the large red fruit each year. The grapes were cultivated to fill a gap in the Japanese luxury fruit market, according to Ruby Roman spokesman Hirano Keisuke. Regardless of size or shape, Japan's luxury fruit always comes carefully packagedRather than being a deterrent, for some consumers a high price tag adds prestige and signifies quality.

Source: CNN March 23, 2017 01:08 UTC