Grocery Prices on the Rise, but This $19 Strawberry is Causing the Most Sticker Shock
The $19 Strawberry Review
On February 22, influencer Alyssa Antoci posted a TikTok review of a strawberry for sale at luxury Los Angeles grocer Erewhon for $19. In the now-viral video, Antoci, who is the niece of Erewhon’s owners, exclaims, "This is the best-tasting strawberry I’ve ever had in my life. I’m gonna eat every last bit of it."
TikTokers Mock the $19 Strawberry
The review has racked up over 15 million views and 12,000 comments, most of which express disbelief at the price. "This is so dystopian," commented one TikTok user. "Who else thinks Erewhon is a social experiment to see what some people will spend on?" asked another.
Why is the Erewhon Strawberry $19?
The strawberry is grown in Tochigi Prefecture, known as the "Strawberry Kingdom," and is a result of Japanese luxury fruit culture. The fruit is picked at its prime and hit the shelves at Erewhon within 24-48 hours. The high price is due to the cost of airfreight, which is as expensive as the fruit itself.
Erewhon’s Response
An Erewhon rep explained that the fruit’s high price is the same as what you would pay in Japan or less. "Elly Amai is flying them in due to the short length of peak ripeness. If you think logistics-wise, getting it here and being able to try it fresh from Japan, it’s very understandable why the price is what it is. Don’t hate on it until you try it."
Conclusion
The $19 strawberry has sparked a wave of social media attention, with many users expressing shock and disbelief at the price. While some have mocked the concept, others have praised the quality of the fruit. Whether or not the price is justified, one thing is certain – the $19 strawberry has become a viral sensation.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the high price of the $19 strawberry?
A: The high price is due to the cost of airfreight, which is as expensive as the fruit itself.
Q: Where is the strawberry grown?
A: The strawberry is grown in Tochigi Prefecture, known as the "Strawberry Kingdom."
Q: Is this the most expensive fruit available?
A: No, the Japanese Miyazaki mango sells for about $260, and Fresh Del Monte’s Rubyglow pineapple was first sold in California for $395.99.
Q: Will the $19 strawberry be available at other locations?
A: Yes, the strawberry will be available at Erewhon’s Santa Monica and Pasadena locations in the future.
