A frustrating part of supermarket shopping might soon be a thing of the past. Tesco has introduced new in-store technology that allows customers to check the ripeness of avocados before purchasing them.
The trial, now live in five stores across the UK, introduces a clever little device that works almost like an X-ray.
Customers simply place an avocado against the scanner and receive one of two instant results: “immediately ready for smashing” or “better used to be sliced in a salad.” Simple, smart, and time-saving.
The device, called the One Third Avocado Scanner, is the product of a Dutch tech firm and has been designed to read the fruit’s internal condition in a matter of seconds. No more squeezing or guessing. Just a clear verdict on what’s inside.
Struggling to find a ripe avocado? Tesco’s new scanner tells you instantly whether it’s ready to mash or better off in a salad. No more wasted money or mushy disasters at home.
Aimed at Reducing Waste and Making Avocado Toast Easier
Tesco’s avocado buyer, Lisa Lawrence, is enthusiastic about the tech’s potential to cut down on food waste.
“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,” she explained.
She added, “Smashed avocado on sourdough continues to be one of the trendiest snacks at the moment, garnering millions of views on social media sites for recipe ideas, so we think, for that reason, the scanner will be really popular with shoppers.”
Indeed, with avocado toast now a staple in many British kitchens, the tech feels well-timed. Searches for avocado recipes have skyrocketed on TikTok and Instagram, driving up demand for perfectly ripe fruit.
Where Can You Try It?
The avocado scanner is being piloted at the following Tesco locations:
- Cheshunt Extra, Hertfordshire
- Colchester Superstore, Essex
- Stratford-upon-Avon Superstore, Warwickshire
- Wokingham Superstore, Berkshire
- Salisbury Extra, Wiltshire
If the trial proves successful, there’s hope for a wider rollout across the UK.
Tesco’s Avocado Boom
Britain’s love affair with avocados shows no sign of fading. Tesco revealed it has sold nearly 15 million more avocados over the past year compared to the previous 12 months.
The supermarket giant has been working alongside Westfalia Fruit, a leading global avocado supplier headquartered in Spalding, Lincolnshire, to bring the ripeness scanner to life.
Emma Howes, commercial manager at Westfalia Fruit, said the scanner is “just one of many initiatives we’ve worked on over the past year”.
The company has also trialled laser labelling on loose avocados, removing the need for plastic stickers, and introduced cardboard and paper packaging for pre-packed lines. These changes are expected to eliminate around 20 million pieces of plastic annually.
Could This Be the Future of Fresh Produce Shopping?
As supermarkets embrace tech to improve customer experience and tackle food waste, Tesco’s avocado scanner might just signal a broader shift. Combining sustainability with everyday convenience could soon become the new norm.
For now, though, shoppers near the five trial stores might want to pay a visit. After all, why risk a dodgy avocado when the scanner’s got your back?
