History and traditions
Fruit and cheese close a meal in many countries. Cheese began as a way to keep milk and developed hundreds of regional styles. Fruit has long been a gift, and in Japan perfect melons are grown one to a vine and presented in boxes.
Food economy and industry
Fresh fruit relies on hand picking and refrigerated shipping. Cheese making uses a large share of the world's milk, and long ageing adds cost. Both have a luxury tier: rare cheeses with protected names, and gift fruit sold at auction.