Bengaluru's grape frenzy on New Year’s Eve: Spanish ritual drives sales boom

Bengaluru's fruit markets witnessed an unexpected surge in grape sales as the "12 grapes ritual," a Spanish New Year tradition, went viral. The custom, which involves eating 12 grapes at midnight to invite luck and prosperity for the year ahead, captivated the city's residents, leading to unprecedented demand.

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Popular last-minute delivery platforms like Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto ran out of stock, leaving customers scrambling. Local vendors reported record sales, with many noting a peculiar trend—customers specifically requesting 12 grapes.

Vendors across Bengaluru didn’t know why people wanted exactly 12 grapes, but they said they made great business in a single day. As customers explained the ritual, they were glad it brought good business to them and that was a great start to 2025.

The frenzy highlights the power of online trends in shaping consumer behavior, with a centuries-old Spanish tradition finding new relevance among Bengaluru’s New Year celebrations. Vendors and consumers alike hope the luck promised by the ritual extends to the coming year.