Which tropical fruit was a status symbol in 18th-century England?

Pineapples!

In those days, pineapples sold for thousands of pounds, each! So they were too valuable to eat. Instead, they were shown off and displayed at events until they rotted. It was even possible to rent the fruit for a dinner party or soiree, all in order to increase a person's status.

Propagation of the fruit in England was difficult and the realm of wealthy people.

Pineapples even became part of artistic decorations on corbels and finials. There's even a pineapple adorning the Wimbledon Tennis Open Trophy, no doubt because of the fruit's rarity and exclusivity.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-53432877

https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2018-07-15/2018-06-27_why_is_there_a_pineapple_on_the_wimbledon_trophy.html