Spain's single people are now finding romance at the supermarket—with 'upside down' pineapples

Pineapple in a shopping cart is a sign for availability for dating, according to a new trend in Spain. (Representational)

Spain’s singles have adopted an unusual offline method to meet potential partners—by placing an upside-down pineapple in their shopping carts at the popular Mercadona supermarket chain. This quirky new trend, which gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms, has seen many Spaniards ditch dating apps in favour of real-world encounters.

The idea is simple: if you see someone with an upside-down pineapple, you strike up a conversation.

The method, which has garnered widespread attention on social media, reflects a growing trend of individuals across the world rejecting online dating apps, many of which have become tiresome for users. Reports from American cities show a resurgence in speed-dating events, while in Spain, the pineapple strategy has sparked countless videos—some highlighting success stories, others less so.

Thanks to the new dating method, all the pineapples were sold out at several stores of the chain.

The trend, which some are calling "Pineapple Dating," emerged as a light-hearted response to the frustrations of app-based dating.

Mercadona, in an official statement, confirmed that the trend was taking place but distanced itself from the phenomenon. “This is not part of any marketing strategy,” the company clarified. The grocery chain also denied any unusual spike in pineapple sales, though some customers have noted shortages.

The trend’s success is not guaranteed, as many have found the method hit-or-miss.

Pineapples, however, might hold a deeper, symbolic meaning—one that hasn’t yet been fully embraced by all users. Internationally, an upside-down pineapple has long been associated with different communities, but there’s no clear evidence linking it to Spain’s new grocery-store dating tactic.

As dating apps face growing criticism for their algorithms and pricing models, some users are turning their backs on the platforms entirely. In a broader context, dating giants like Match Group, which owns apps like Tinder and Hinge, are now under scrutiny.

Earlier this year, a group of users filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, accusing it of deliberately designing the apps to keep people swiping endlessly rather than fostering real-life connections. Match Group dismissed the lawsuit as “ridiculous,” insisting it helps users find dates “every day.”