A pair of melons were sold for 3.2 million yen (around P1.5 million), a record high, at an auction in Yubari, Japan.
The municipality of Yubari developed a reputation for high-quality melons produced in the area. The two high-priced melons were sold through the first auction of the season, according to Fortune.
Vegetable packaging company Hokuyu Pack won the bidding. Company president Shinya Noda said it had been their intention to set a new record for this year’s melon season.
The previous record stood at three million yen (about P1.4 million), which was set in 2016.
Noda intended to gift the melons to their customers and clients in celebration of Hokuyu Pack’s 30th anniversary. The melons will be put on display until the end of May. Afterwards it will be cut up and the pieces given to their customers.
Seasonal fruits have been known to fetch hefty prices in Japan as they are often given away as gifts. Yubari melons, in particular, are a status symbol similar to fine wine. Alfred Bayle /ra
RELATED STORIES:
Japanese whisky company running low on supply due to high demand
Bats give French winegrowers a helping hand in moth war
Tickled pink: Japan lovers taste new chocos on Valentine’s Day