Tesco has begun trialling in-store avocado scanners that use infrared technology to assess the fruit's ripeness before purchase. The machines, installed in five stores across the UK from this week, provide shoppers with one of two readings: 'immediately ready for smashing' or 'better for slicing'. The trial aims to help customers avoid the common frustration of buying avocados that are either too hard or too soft.
The One Third Avocado Scanner, named after its Dutch developer, analyses the fruit's internal condition in seconds. Lisa Lawrence, avocado buyer at Tesco, said the device would assist shoppers in planning meals and reducing food waste. 'Smashed avocado on sourdough continues to be one of the trendiest snacks at the moment,' she noted, adding that the scanner is expected to be popular given the fruit's social media appeal.
The five pilot stores are located in Cheshunt (Hertfordshire), Colchester (Essex), Stratford-upon-Avon (Warwickshire), Wokingham (Berkshire), and Salisbury (Wiltshire). Avocados have become a breakfast staple in Britain despite environmental concerns over carbon footprint, water usage, and ethical standards. Tesco reported selling nearly 15 million more avocados last year than the previous year.
The supermarket collaborated with fruit supplier Westfalia Fruit on the scanner project. Previously, the companies tested 'tattooing' avocados to replace plastic stickers and introduced cardboard and paper packaging for all packed avocados, saving an estimated 20 million pieces of plastic annually.
