A rare pineapple variety from Costa Rica has drawn international attention after being featured on the YouTube channel MrBeast 2, which has over 52 million subscribers. The Rubyglow, grown in Buenos Aires de Puntarenas by Fresh Del Monte, was sampled by Nolan Hansen and Majd Khader in a video showcasing unusual fruits. Khader gave the fruit a score of 100 out of 10, while Hansen described it as incredible.
Fresh Del Monte confirmed they did not pay for the promotion or supply the fruit. Company spokesperson Michael Calderón said these were genuine reactions. The video has so far reached more than 8.7 million views.
The Rubyglow has already entered the U.S. and Asian markets and is now expected to reach European consumers. The fruit is recognized for its red shell and bright yellow flesh, resulting from a cross between a standard pineapple and a Morada type with purple skin. Each fruit takes about two years to mature and is harvested without a crown before being packed in presentation boxes.
Production is limited due to the long growing process and the scarcity of seeds. Fresh Del Monte holds patents for the Rubyglow in Costa Rica and the United States, restricting cultivation. This exclusivity has driven prices to around US$400 per fruit in markets such as California and New York.
Development of the variety took 15 to 16 years through conventional breeding. The fruit is characterized by a sweet flavor with lower acidity compared to conventional pineapples. Earlier this year, it received the Best Food Innovation award at the World Food Innovation Awards.
Costa Rican growers carry out most of the production using cross-breeding methods that require precision and align with the country's broader agricultural practices. Fresh Del Monte has previously introduced other specialty pineapple types, such as the Pinkglow.
The Rubyglow is positioned as a premium product, highlighting Costa Rica's capacity to develop niche fruit varieties for international markets.
Source: Tico Times