The “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” phenomenon has taken Spain by storm, transforming ordinary trips to the supermarket into unexpected social events filled with anticipation and chaos.
What began as a playful and humorous suggestion on social media has rapidly evolved into a full-blown cultural craze, drawing single Spaniards to their local Mercadona stores in search of romance.
This quirky trend, driven by a fruit-based code, has not only sparked hope for budding relationships but has also led to a wave of chaos in supermarkets across the country.
At the heart of this unique dating trend is the simple act of placing an “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” and pushing it around the store, particularly during the hours of 7pm to 8pm. The idea is that those who participate in this pineapple code are signaling their availability and openness to meeting someone new.
The trend gained widespread popularity after actor and humorist Vivy Lin posted a video on TikTok, humorously explaining that Mercadona supermarkets had become the new hotspot for singles looking to mingle, with the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” serving as the secret signal.
The video quickly went viral, with thousands of viewers eager to test out the theory for themselves. The allure of finding love in such an unconventional setting captured the imaginations of many, leading to a surge of shoppers descending on Mercadona stores during the designated time slot.
The supermarket chain even played along, posting a TikTok video of a pineapple with the caption: “The pineapple on the shelf of Mercadona waiting for you to get a date.”
There's a trend in Spain where if you hit the supermarket from 7-8pm and have an upside down pineapple in your trolley – you're single and/or ready to mingle 🍍 pic.twitter.com/Zkh49DXmu1
— Priyant (@Priyant1987) August 29, 2024
However, as the trend gained momentum, the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” trend began to cause some unexpected and often chaotic scenes. In various locations, particularly in Madrid, groups of teenagers have been spotted roaming the aisles of Mercadona, pushing trolleys without any intention of purchasing products.
These gatherings have occasionally escalated into rowdy behavior, with some participants seemingly more interested in the novelty of the trend than in genuinely seeking a romantic connection.
One particularly humorous incident involved a man who, as part of his bachelor party celebrations, was dressed as a giant pineapple and paraded around a Mercadona store by his friends.
The sight of a human-sized pineapple strolling through the aisles only added to the surreal nature of the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” phenomenon, highlighting the lengths to which some people are willing to go in embracing the trend.
In Bilbao, the popularity of the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” trend even led to the involvement of the police. As the clock struck 7pm, crowds of eager singles and curious onlookers flocked to a local Mercadona, resulting in scenes that quickly became disorderly.
Although the situation did not require police intervention, the presence of law enforcement underscored the unexpected impact that this seemingly innocent trend was having on public spaces.
Adding to the frenzy was a catchy song circulating online that further fueled the excitement. The lyrics, which spoke of hearts racing in the wine section of the store while searching for someone special, seemed to perfectly capture the essence of the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” trend.
The song quickly became an anthem for those participating in the craze, playing in the background as they navigated the supermarket aisles with a pineapple strategically placed in their trolley.
Despite the fun and excitement that the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” trend has brought to many, it has not been without its critics. Some observers have expressed concern over the influence of social media in driving such trends, suggesting that participants may be unwittingly falling into the clutches of a campaign designed to manipulate social behavior.
Susana Quadrado, a social commentator writing for La Vanguardia newspaper, warned that while “Pineapple-gate” may seem innocent and playful on the surface, it also highlights the power of the virtual world to condition real-life actions and turn individuals into unwitting amplifiers of viral content.
Furthermore, the trend has not been particularly well-received by some Mercadona employees, who have found themselves dealing with the aftermath of the pineapple mania. Videos have surfaced showing workers hurriedly clearing boxes of pineapples from the shelves as 7pm approaches, attempting to maintain order in the face of the growing crowds.
The supermarket chain has clarified that the trend was not orchestrated by them and that it emerged spontaneously through social media, distancing themselves from the chaos that has ensued.
While the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” trend has undoubtedly brought a sense of excitement and novelty to the daily routine of grocery shopping, it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of social media-driven phenomena.
What started as a lighthearted joke quickly spiraled into a nationwide craze, leaving both participants and bystanders to navigate the unexpected consequences.
For those who have embraced the trend, the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” represents a fun and whimsical way to break the ice and potentially meet a romantic partner.
The idea of finding love amidst the aisles of a supermarket, guided by the unspoken language of an upside-down pineapple, has captured the imagination of many, offering a refreshing alternative to the often impersonal world of online dating.
However, as with any trend that gains widespread attention, there are always potential downsides. The disruptions caused by the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” craze have raised questions about the sustainability and appropriateness of such public displays of social experimentation.
As the trend continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to genuine connections or fade away as just another fleeting social media sensation.
In the meantime, the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” phenomenon continues to generate buzz, with more and more people joining in on the fun each day.
Whether you’re a hopeful romantic looking for love, a curious observer drawn to the novelty of the trend, or a Mercadona employee bracing for the evening rush, there’s no denying that the “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” has left a lasting impression on Spain’s social landscape.
As the trend shows no signs of slowing down, it serves as a fascinating case study in how a simple idea can capture the public’s imagination and spread like wildfire through the power of social media.
The “upside down pineapple in shopping cart” may have started as a joke, but it has become much more—a symbol of the unexpected ways in which we connect with one another in the modern world.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏