Why is there a pineapple on the Wimbledon trophy

If the Wimbledon men's singles trophy looks short on quirks from a distance, closer inspection reveals a peculiar detail. The top of the 18-inch silver gilt prize

The champions receive a three-quarter size replica of the trophy bearing the names of all the previous winners, complete with the fruit on top.

Christopher Columbus returned from an expedition to the New World with a pineapple in 1492, but they did not become more common in western Europe until their commercial production started in Hawaii during the early 20th century

When Wimbledon began in 1877, the pineapple was seen as a food only enjoyed by high society

When Wimbledon began in 1877, the pineapple was seen as a food only enjoyed by high society. a sign of prestige worthy of the rarefied All England Club and the winner's trophy.