Grapes, which have, for centuries, been used to represent opulence at the dinner table, may actually be more affordable.

Though not entirely forbidding, average prices through the years would usually put grapes on the ’luxury’ list of lower income families.

They would be bought sparingly through the season, with a bump up to about two pounds at once on Christmas Eve.

And despite changes in prices, it is unlikely that the local image of grapes as a sign of wealth on the buffet, will change too quickly.

There is also a hierarchy among grapes, with seeded red grapes being the most common and seedless black as the caviar of the lot.

Upon entry into the local market last year, red grape prices, by the pound, hovered around $14 at the fresh market and the fruit vendors’ and at about $15 to $16 at the groceries.

Although competition slows during the ’off-season’, demand also tends to fall and during the year, prices fell to around $12 from vendors and $13 from grocers.

This year, red grapes have entered the market as low as $10 per pound - a change that, according to one vendor, has caused sales to spike.

The green seedless variety, usually around $14, is now at about $12 in many places.

Black seedless, much to the delight of fruit lovers, is currently retailing for around $15 per pound at most vendors’ - a massive drop from the general area of $20.

Several vendors told the Business Express that they expect these prices to be carried right through to January next year.