Takamaru Konishi, a supermarket owner from western Japan, won a bid on Thursday for a bunch of 30 very special grapes. Each grape is roughly the size of a ping pong ball and worth about $365. The whole lot cost him 1.1 million yen (US $10,950).
The variety of grapes named Ruby Roman is as red as a precious stone of the same name and is grown in Ishikawa prefecture. To qualify for the Ruby Roman designation, each grape must weigh at least 20g and have a sugar content of at least 18%.
The batch bought by Konishi was the first Ruby Romans of the season.
"These are truly Ruby Roman gems," the lucky buyer told the press. "We will display them at our store before giving our customers a sample taste."
Fruit is considered a luxury product, and features heavily in Japan's gift-giving culture. Such gifts are presented not only on special occasions, but as part of a tradition to show mutual appreciation, extend courtesy and build relationships, even in business.
