Mercadona has become the Iberian peninsula's new dating hotspot with young singles flocking to the supermarket chain, fuelled by the latest TikTok craze.
There are growing signs that Gen Z is quickly becoming bored with the never-ending process of liking, swiping, tapping and awkward direct messaging as they seek fulfilling relationships over casual hookups.
A new TikTok trend encourages single young people to go to supermarket chain Mercadona between 7pm and 8pm to make time for “flirting” and put a pineapple upside down in their shopping cart as a signal to others.
If you find someone you find attractive and use the same technique, you'll bump each other's shopping carts into each other and become matched.
Those who have been faithful to this “Mercadona trick” say that people go to the supermarket chain only for the social experience, and not for groceries.
The trend started on social media platforms and gained momentum when Spanish actress and comedian Vivi Lin posted a skit with her friend Carla AlarcĂ³n on Mercadona around this time.
A week later, the video continues to garner views and trending followers.
The first signs of this trend date back to 2017, when a participant on the show “First Dates” described himself as a “hopeless romantic.”
This new matching trick has become a big hit on social media, with users coming up with the best memes.
Portugal follows Spanish shopping habits
This trending algorithm has already been implemented in the Portuguese market.
TikTok and X users have begun sharing their experiences using “Mercadonatric.”
As this trick evolves, it creates new codes that dictate a person's intentions — so finding love in the supermarket might be harder than expected.
For example, the new rules state that chocolate can symbolize something casual, while vegetables in a cart signal a more serious commitment.