Tesco has begun trialling in-store avocado scanners that use infrared technology to assess the ripeness of the fruit, aiming to help shoppers avoid the common problem of buying avocados that are either too hard or too soft. The machines, installed in five stores across the UK, provide one of two readings: 'immediately ready for smashing' or 'better for slicing'.
The scanners, developed by Dutch company One Third, analyse the fruit's internal condition in seconds. Lisa Lawrence, avocado buyer at Tesco, said the technology would help customers plan their shopping better and reduce food waste. 'Smashed avocado on sourdough continues to be one of the trendiest snacks at the moment,' she added.
The trial is taking place at Tesco stores in Cheshunt, Colchester, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wokingham, and Salisbury. Avocados have become a breakfast staple in Britain, with Tesco reporting sales of nearly 15 million more avocados last year compared to the previous year.
Tesco has partnered with fruit supplier Westfalia Fruit on the project. Previously, the companies tested etching avocados to replace plastic stickers and introduced cardboard and paper packaging for packed avocados, saving 20 million pieces of plastic annually.
