JP Ruby Roman grapes

The first bunch of Ruby Roman table grapes has been auctioned in Japan, fetched a record ¥1.1m (US$10,900) at Kanazawa’s wholesale market.

The winning bid was placed by Takamaru Konishi of Amagasaki-based retailer Kurashi Kaientai, the same retailer that put the winning ¥3m (US$2,9774) bid in for two Yubari melons in May, according to the Japan Times.

The sweet table grapes are grown in Japan’s Ishikawa prefrecture and are sold for a premium in Japanese retailers.

'We will display them at our store before giving our customers a sample taste,' Konishi told the Japan times. 'I am so happy and I am honoured. These are truly Ruby Roman gems.'