Grocery prices are on the rise, but nothing — not even a carton of eggs — is causing sticker shock like this one curious piece of produce.
TikToker’s $19 strawberry sparks outrage and parody
Grocery prices are on the rise, but nothing — not even a carton of eggs — is causing sticker shock like this one curious piece of produce.
On Feb. 22, influencer Alyssa Antoci posted a TikTok review of a strawberry for sale at luxury Los Angeles grocer Erewhon for $19. Yes — one single strawberry for one dollar short of a crisp Andrew Jackson bill.
“OK, this is a $19 strawberry from Erewhon, so we’re gonna eat it,” Antoci — whose aunt and uncle own the chain — says in the now-viral video. “Apparently it’s like the best-tasting strawberry in the entire world.”
TikTokers mock the $19 strawberry
Antoci removes the Elly Amai fruit from its clear plastic packaging, marvels at its presentation — it’s affixed to a “little tray” — then takes a bite.
“That’s crazy. Yeah, that is the best strawberry I’ve ever had in my life,” she shouts to anyone in earshot. “I’m gonna eat every last bit of it.”
Antoci’s TikTok has racked up over 15 million views and 12,000 comments — most of which express disbelief at the price.
Why is the Erewhon strawberry $19?
Elly Amai and Erewhon tell TODAY.com that the viral fruit is grown in Tochigi Prefecture, which is nicknamed the “Strawberry Kingdom.” These Tochiaika strawberries are grown from December to June.
Everyone involved — Erewhon, Elly Amai and Antoci — pointed out that the special strawberries are a result of Japanese luxury fruit culture.
And this isn’t even the most expensive fruit one can buy: The Japanese Miyazaki mango sells for about $260. Stateside, Fresh Del Monte’s Rubyglow pineapple was first sold in California last May for $395.99 — and it quickly sold out.
What do you think about the $19 strawberry?
Erewhon says the viral strawberry was first sold two weeks ago at its Beverly Hills location and will be available in its Santa Monica and Pasadena locations in the future.
“The strawberries are picked at their prime and hit the shelves at Erewhon within 24-48 hrs,” an Erewhon rep tells TODAY.com via email. “Faster than broccoli growing in CA getting to markets in NY.”
The rep also says the fruit’s high price “is the same price as what you would pay in Japan or less,” claiming that its airfreight costs just as much as the fruit. “Elly Amai is flying them in due to the short length of peak ripeness.”
Conclusion
The $19 strawberry has sparked a frenzy, with many expressing shock and amusement at the price. While some have mocked the luxury fruit, others have praised its taste and presentation. Whether or not the $19 strawberry is worth the price is up to personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the price of the $19 strawberry?
+ The $19 strawberry is sold at Erewhon in Los Angeles for $19.
* Where is the $19 strawberry grown?
+ The $19 strawberry is grown in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, which is nicknamed the “Strawberry Kingdom”.
* Is this the most expensive fruit?
+ No, the Japanese Miyazaki mango sells for about $260, and Fresh Del Monte’s Rubyglow pineapple was first sold in California last May for $395.99 — and it quickly sold out.
