A pineapple is probably the last thing you’d expect to find in the luxury category. Yet for centuries, this spiky tropical fruit has been a status symbol, a scientific obsession, a royal gift, and in some cases, an item worth more than an international flight ticket! WHAT? Long before designer handbags and limited-edition sneakers became markers of exclusivity, Europe’s elite were showing off pineapples at dinner parties. Some never even ate them. As World Pineapple Day rolls around, here are eight extraordinary pineapples whose stories are every bit as remarkable as their
World’s Most Expensive Pineapples
1. The Heligan Pineapple That Takes Years To Grow
Hidden within the grounds of Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan is a growing method that belongs in a history book. The gardeners here still cultivate pineapples the way Victorians did more than two centuries ago. There are no modern heated greenhouses. Instead, long trenches are packed with horse manure and organic matter. As the material decomposes, it generates heat, creating an artificial tropical climate in the middle of England.
The process is astonishingly labour-intensive. A single pineapple can take up to three years to reach maturity. The result is not just a fruit but a living demonstration of horticultural history.
Cost: Approximately ₹1 lakh per pineapple
2. Rubyglow, The Pineapple That Looks Like A Gemstone
Most pineapples are green and gold, but Rubyglow comes in deep shades of crimson and burgundy, looking more like something displayed in a jewellery store.
Created by Fresh Del Monte after roughly 15 years of breeding and research, the variety combines a traditional pineapple with the rare red-skinned Morada. The dramatic exterior isn’t its only selling point. Inside, the flesh is exceptionally sweet, low in acidity and remarkably juicy.
Cost: ₹34,000 per pineapple
Also Read: 5 Most Expensive Mango Varieties In India And What Makes Them So Pricey
3. Pinkglow, The Internet’s Favourite Pineapple
Before Rubyglow stole the spotlight, there was Pinkglow. Cut one open and the fruit reveals a blush-pink interior that almost looks photoshopped. The colour comes from years of selective breeding that altered how the fruit processes lycopene, the same pigment responsible for the red colour of tomatoes and watermelons.
Beyond the aesthetics, many buyers praised its sweeter taste and lower acidity compared to conventional pineapples.
Cost: ₹4,300 per pineapple at launch
4. Queen Victoria’s Favourite Tiny Pineapple
Size isn’t everything in the pineapple world. The Queen Victoria pineapple, grown primarily in Mauritius and Réunion Island, is proof of that.
Much smaller than supermarket varieties, this fruit holds an extraordinary amount of flavour into a compact model. Its flesh is intensely sweet, fragrant and floral, earning it the nickname “the champagne pineapple.” Chefs prize it because every bite seems concentrated. Its limited production and reputation among gourmet circles have made it one of the most sought-after premium pineapples on the market.
Cost: ₹1,200 per pineapple
Also Read: Pineapple, Step Aside! This Aloo Gobi Pizza Is The New Controversial Topping We Love
5. Victorian Exhibition Pineapples, Britain
Before Birkin bags, there were pineapples. During the 1700s and early 1800s, pineapples became Britain’s ultimate status symbol. The fruit was so difficult to cultivate that only the wealthiest families could afford it.
But wait, here’s the strangest part; many owners didn’t eat them. Instead, pineapples were displayed as centrepieces at lavish dinners. Guests admired them and hosts bragged about them. Some were even rented out to other aristocrats who wanted to appear wealthy for a night.
Historians estimate that a pineapple from this era would be worth thousands of pounds today, putting its modern equivalent value somewhere between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh.
Cost: ₹5-10 lakh per pineapple
6. Kona Sugarloaf Pineapple, Hawaii
Ask pineapple enthusiasts to name the best-tasting pineapple they’ve ever eaten and the Kona Sugarloaf comes up almost too quickly.
What makes it special is the eating experience. The flesh is creamy white, almost completely fibre-free and remarkably low in acidity. The sharp bite associated with many pineapples is largely absent.
The variety thrives in Hawaii’s volcanic soil, but production remains limited.
Cost: ₹2,500–₹3,000 per pineapple
7. Sugarloaf Pineapple, West Africa
If sweetness had a competition, the Sugarloaf pineapple would probably enter with innate confidence.
Native to Benin and other parts of West Africa, this variety is famous for its pale flesh and honey-like flavour. Unlike many commercial pineapples, it contains very little acidity, creating a softer and almost dessert-like taste profile.
The fruit bruises easily and doesn’t always travel well over long distances. As a result, high-quality export-grade Sugarloaf pineapples are relatively uncommon outside Africa, making them more expensive than standard supermarket varieties.
Cost: ₹1,300 per pineapple
Also Read: What Is Spain’s Viral Pineapple Dating Trend Increasing The Sale Of This Fruit?
The strange thing about this list isn’t that these pineapples exist; it’s that they’ve existed for centuries. Whether it was an 18th-century duke showing off a pineapple he had no intention of eating or a modern collector paying ₹34,000 for a Rubyglow, the fruit has always occupied a weird corner of human culture where food, wealth and bragging rights collide.
So, how are you celebrating World Pineapple Day?
Cover Image Courtesy: heligangardens/X and melissasproduce/X
FAQs
When is World Pineapple Day celebrated?
World Pineapple Day is celebrated every year on June 27, honouring one of the world's most beloved tropical fruits.
Which is the most expensive pineapple in the world?
The Heligan Pineapple from Cornwall, England, is among the most expensive, with individual fruits valued at around ₹1 lakh due to their labour-intensive cultivation process.
Why is Pinkglow Pineapple pink inside?
Pinkglow pineapples get their distinctive pink flesh from selective breeding that affects how the fruit processes lycopene, a natural pigment found in tomatoes and watermelons.
Did people really rent pineapples?
Yes. During the 18th century, wealthy Europeans rented pineapples as centrepieces for parties to showcase their status and affluence.