Wed, 03 Sep 2025

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 Tesco trials avocado ripeness scanners

Fans of the fruit are divided over whether it's a shopping hack or if a squeeze test should suffice.
Tesco's avocado ripeness scanners are being trialled in five stores across England, sparking debate among shoppers and experts on whether it's a useful tool or an unnecessary tech gimmick. Shoppers can scan their avocados to determine how ripe they are, which is particularly relevant for popular dishes like avocado toast. However, some argue that giving the fruit a quick squeeze is sufficient for determining ripeness. Tesco has reported a significant increase in avocado sales, with almost 15 million more units sold this year compared to the previous 52 weeks. The supermarket believes the scanners will help customers choose the right avocado for their needs and reduce food waste. Experts are divided on the usefulness of the scanners, with some seeing it as a shopping hack that provides assurance around quality and value, while others view it as a marketing gimmick designed to generate buzz on social media.
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