In a surprising twist to modern dating, Spanish Gen Z individuals are eschewing digital platforms for a more tangible approach to romance. The latest trend sees young adults flocking to supermarkets during designated "flirting times," armed with an unconventional tool: upside-down pineapples.
This phenomenon, which originated on TikTok, has transformed Mercadona, Spain's largest supermarket chain founded in 1977, into an unexpected dating venue. Between 7 pm and 8 pm, single shoppers can be found navigating the aisles with inverted pineapples in their carts, signaling their openness to romantic encounters.
The pineapple, native to South America and first cultivated by the Tupi-Guarani people, has long been associated with hospitality. Now, it serves as a modern-day love beacon in Spanish grocery stores. Interestingly, the fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that some believe may boost testosterone levels.
The mechanics of this supermarket dating game are simple yet effective. When an interested party spots someone with an upside-down pineapple, they initiate contact by gently bumping their shopping cart into the other person's – a real-world equivalent of "swiping right" on dating apps.
This trend reflects a broader shift among Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, towards real-life interactions. Despite Spain boasting one of Europe's highest smartphone penetration rates, many young adults are seeking alternatives to digital dating platforms.
The supermarket romance phenomenon has expanded beyond Mercadona, now nicknamed "Tinder-dona" by TikTok users. El Corte Inglés, Spain's sole remaining department store chain founded in 1940, has also become a hotspot for love-seeking shoppers, particularly around its perfume counters between 2 pm and 3 pm.
Interestingly, different grocery items have taken on symbolic meanings in this new dating landscape. Sweets and chocolates indicate interest in short-term relationships, while vegetables suggest a desire for more serious, long-term commitments.
This trend comes at a time when Spain faces one of Europe's lowest birth rates, with many young adults delaying family formation. The average age of first marriage in Spain is around 35 for men and 33 for women, reflecting changing social dynamics.
While online dating remains popular, with approximately 30% of adults using dating apps, this supermarket trend offers a refreshing alternative. It's worth noting that Tinder, launched in 2012 and now boasting over 75 million active users globally, has recently introduced running clubs in London to facilitate in-person meetings.
As this phenomenon continues to gain traction, it's clear that Gen Z is redefining the dating landscape, proving that sometimes, the path to romance can be found right next to the piñas in aisle five.
"I was shopping when a friend asked me about the best time to flirt in Mercadona. After investigating online, I realized 'flirting time' was a real thing – and I was right in the middle of it!"