Tesco Avocado Scanners: Ripeness Assessment
Tesco Trials Avocado Scanners: Will Tech Solve the ripe Avocado Riddle?
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(Published: October 26, 2023 – Date adjusted for timeliness. Last updated: October 27, 2023)
Are you tired of bringing home avocados that are either rock hard or mushy brown? Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket, is hoping to solve this perennial millennial problem with a new in-store technology: avocado scanners.These scanners use infrared technology to determine an avocado’s ripeness before you buy it, promising perfectly timed avocado toast every time.
The Problem with Perfect Avocados
The struggle is real. Avocados have become a breakfast and brunch staple, fueled by social media trends and their perceived health benefits. Though, predicting ripeness is notoriously challenging. As The Guardian notes, “It is the millennial’s perennial problem: returning home after spending a small fortune on an avocado only to find the green fruit is either too squishy to slice for a salad or too hard to smash on toast.” This leads to frustration, wasted money, and ultimately, food waste.
How the Tesco Avocado Scanner Works
Developed by Dutch company One Third, the scanner utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy. This technology analyzes the internal composition of the avocado without damaging the fruit. Here’s how it works:
- Present the Avocado: Shoppers place an avocado into the scanner.
- infrared Scan: The scanner emits near-infrared light,which interacts with the avocado’s internal structure.
- Ripeness Reading: The scanner analyzes the reflected light and provides a ripeness assessment:
“Instantly ready for smashing”: Indicates the avocado is perfect for guacamole or avocado toast.
“Better for slicing”: Suggests the avocado is ideal for salads or sandwiches.
The entire process takes just seconds, offering shoppers instant feedback.
Why Tesco is Investing in Avocado Tech
Tesco isn’t just addressing a customer pain point; they’re responding to market trends. The supermarket reported selling nearly 15 million more avocados last year compared to the previous year, demonstrating meaningful demand. Lisa Lawrence, an avocado buyer at Tesco, believes the scanner will be popular, stating, “Smashed avocado on sourdough continues to be one of the trendiest snacks at the moment…so we think, for that reason, the scanner will be really popular with shoppers.”
Beyond catering to trends, the scanner aligns with Tesco’s sustainability goals. Reducing food waste is a key priority, and the scanner aims to help customers plan their purchases more effectively.
The Bigger Picture: Avocado Consumption & concerns
The rise of the avocado hasn’t been without controversy. While beloved by many, avocados have a significant environmental impact. Concerns include:
Water Usage: Avocado cultivation is water-intensive, particularly in regions facing drought.
Carbon Footprint: Transportation from growing regions (often Mexico and South America) contributes to a substantial carbon footprint.
Ethical Concerns: Reports have surfaced regarding ethical standards on avocado farms, including issues related to worker conditions and potential links to organized crime (as highlighted by The Guardian).
Despite these concerns, avocado consumption continues to rise, indicating a willingness among consumers to prioritize taste and convenience. Tesco’s partnership with Westfalia Fruit on this project, following previous collaborations like avocado “tattooing” for traceability, suggests a commitment to addressing these challenges.
Avocado Ripeness: A Swift Guide (Even Without a Scanner)
While the scanner offers