Tesco will begin trialling an avocado scanner this week that allows shoppers to assess the ripeness of fruit in-store. The device is designed to help customers select avocados suited either for slicing or for immediate use as a spread, while also aiming to reduce waste both in-store and at home.
The trial will take place in five stores: Cheshunt Extra and Colchester Superstore in Essex, Stratford-upon-Avon Superstore in Warwickshire, Wokingham Superstore in Berkshire, and Salisbury Extra in Wiltshire.
© Tesco
The OneThird Avocado Scanner, developed by a Dutch company of the same name, uses infrared technology to measure the ripeness of an avocado in seconds. By holding the fruit in front of the scanner, customers receive an immediate reading indicating whether the avocado is ready to be eaten ripe or is more suitable for slicing.
Avocado consumption in the UK has continued to rise, with Tesco reporting sales growth of nearly 15 million units over the past year compared to the previous 12 months.
Tesco's avocado buyer, Lisa Lawrence, said the scanner will help shoppers plan their purchases. "The scanner will enable shoppers to choose the avocado that is right for them and which can help them plan their usage and desired shelf life, thereby cutting down on waste. It encourages shoppers to check ripeness without squeezing, helping protect avocados on the shelf from damage, reducing waste, and keeping produce fresher in store."
The project is being carried out in partnership with Westfalia Fruit, a global avocado supplier headquartered in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Tom Kearns, Westfalia's Head of Retail, said the scanner formed part of a wider series of initiatives to improve sustainability and efficiency in avocado supply chains. "The One Third Avocado Scanner is just one of many initiatives we've worked on over the past year, from trialing lasered barcodes on avocados that remove the plastic label from Tesco's loose avocado lines, to rolling out cardboard and paper packaging across all of Tesco's avocado pre-packed lines, saving 20 million pieces of plastic a year," he said.
The results of the trial will determine whether the scanner is introduced more widely across the retailer's stores.
For more information:
Tesco
Tel: +44 (0) 330 6780 639
Email: [email protected]
www.tescoplc.com