A single bunch of grapes has sold for a record-breaking price of more than 1.1m yen ($NZ15,000) in Japan.
Japanese farmer Tsutomu Takemori displays a bunch of Ruby Roman grapes in 2008. The variety has been developed over the last 14 years. Photo: AFP
A supermarket owner from western Japan bought the bunch of 30 grapes, the first Ruby Romans of the season.
The super sweet variety is grown in Ishikawa prefecture and prices for them have been rising since they first appeared for sale.
"We will display them at our store before giving our customers a sample taste," Takamaru Konishi said.
"I am so happy and I am honoured. These are truly Ruby Roman gems."
People in Japan are often willing to pay top-dollar for premium samples of fruit, sometimes with the intention of giving them as gifts to people perceived to be of higher status - for example, their boss at work.
A single apple can cost up to $NZ4 and melons are sometimes sold for the equivalent price of a vintage wine. Last year two melons were sold at auction for almost $NZ17,000 for the pair.