# Fresh Cartoon-Adorned Fruit This Hello Kitty Melon Can be Yours at an Overpriced Rate By Jana Pijak | Published 2014-05-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-melon References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/05/13/hello-kitty-melons-are-back-in-japan-for-the-same-high-price/) & [narinari](http://www.narinari.com/Nd/20140525818.html) Japan is home to a number of ultra-cool and bizarre food items and the Hello Kitty melon is no exception. A melon for approximately US$48.95 may seem a bit steep but not if you are a die-hard fan of the cute cartoon icon. Sold by [Furano Melon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/furaliss-distillery) in Hokkaido, this customized fruit features an etched graphic of [Hello Kitty herself](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-friends-x-lush). With her 40th birthday approaching, [Sanrio's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-birthday-double-cup) Hello Kitty has become one of the most iconic cartoon characters in the world. After a range of feline-inspired fashions and custom-crafted cat cars, one cannot be surprised that a product like this exists. The Furano Hello Kitty Melon (40th Anniversary Edition) comes in a commemorative box that features the white cat character. Only 400 of the limited edition fruits will be sold this year and are guaranteed to go fast! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Customized-fruit:** Opportunity for businesses to create and sell customized fruits featuring popular cartoon characters, appealing to dedicated fans. - **Limited-edition-foods:** A growing trend of releasing limited edition foods, such as the Hello Kitty melon, to create excitement and exclusivity for consumers. - **Character-licensing-merchandise:** The popularity of iconic cartoon characters like Hello Kitty opens up opportunities for licensing deals to create customized merchandise, including fruit products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fruit Market:** The fruit market can leverage the trend of customized fruits to attract fans of popular cartoon characters and create unique offerings. - **Food Packaging:** The food packaging industry can provide innovative and visually appealing packaging designs for limited edition food products, enhancing their value and appeal. - **Character Licensing:** Companies specializing in character licensing can partner with fruit producers to create branded fruit products featuring beloved cartoon characters, expanding their merchandise offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cartoon Cat Dessert Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-birthday-double-cup.md) - [Celebratory Cartoon Candy Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-kitkat.md) - [Collectible Kawaii Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-funko.md) - [Cartoon-Honoring Collector's Coin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/50th-anniversary-coin.md) - [Cartoon Kitty Cookie Confections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-assorted-cookie-tin.md) - [Cartoon Cat-Themed Drinkware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-2.md) - [Cartoon Cat Boba Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-friends-boba.md) - [Cartoon Cat-Like Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-oral-beauty.md) - [Solid Gold Character Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-figure.md)