According to social media users, Mercadona stores transform into a hotspot for those seeking love during certain hours, with one of the key signals being the way you position a specific fruit in your shopping basket.

What started as a simple online idea has now become a full-blown craze, with influencers and everyday shoppers flocking to Spain’s favorite supermarket in hopes of finding romance.

But how does this so-called ‘Hacendado Tinder’ work?

The designated time to participate is between 7pm and 8pm.

To join in, participants must place specific items in their shopping carts to signal their intentions to other potential love-seekers.

The first step is to place a pineapple upside down in one of the front corners of your cart.

Then, head to the wine aisle to find others who have done the same.

If someone catches your eye, gently bump your cart into theirs, signaling that you’d like to strike up a conversation. If they’re interested too, they can bump back or simply start chatting.

However, be aware that other items in someone’s cart can provide additional clues about their intentions.

For example, chocolates or sweets suggest they’re looking for a long-term relationship or something serious.

On the other hand, legumes or lettuce indicate they’re interested in something more casual.

Additionally, jingling keys in your hand is another way to show you’re participating in the trend.

And if someone places a jar of gazpacho in your cart ‘by accident,’ it could be a sign that they’re interested in you.

“I can’t take it anymore, who is making this up? I’m imagining bumper cars in the aisles of Mercadona,” comments one X user. While others posted that “Mercadona should take advantage of this and make a dating app”. This comment is accompanied by an image which reads, ‘Hacendates’, a play on words of the supermarket’s own brand, Hacendado.