India witnessed a surge in grape orders on New Year's Eve as the populace adopted a Spanish tradition. The custom involves consuming '12 lucky grapes' at midnight, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead. This practice led to grapes becoming one of the most demanded items on quick commerce platforms. Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa noted a significant increase in grape orders, stating, "What's with the sudden craze for grapes today? It's one of the highest-ordered items since morning! We've delivered seven times more grapes than usual." Similarly, Swiggy Instamart reported grapes as one of the top searches, alongside other items such as milk, chips, chocolate, and paneer.
The origin of this tradition traces back to the 1800s in Spain, likely influenced by the bourgeoisie in Madrid who celebrated New Year's Eve with champagne and grapes, a custom borrowed from the French. The tradition gained further traction in the early 1900s, driven by a surplus grape harvest in the Alicante region, leading farmers to promote this practice. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the tradition has gained international popularity. It involves eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, with some adherents even recommending sitting under a table while doing so to maximize the tradition's effect. The practice is seen as a way to secure prosperity for the coming year and, for some, a method to manifest personal goals or improve romantic prospects.
Source: Bizz Buzz