Tesco is testing a new way to help customers pick the perfect avocado — by rolling out avocado ripeness scanners in select stores across England. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some shoppers calling it a useful shopping hack, while others argue that the traditional “squeeze test” works just as well.
A New Way to Test Avocados
Avocado toast has become a staple snack for younger generations, but it depends on the fruit being ripe enough to mash. To solve this, Tesco has introduced scanners that allow shoppers to instantly check ripeness before purchasing.
The devices are currently available at five stores: Cheshunt Extra and Colchester Superstore in Essex, Stratford upon Avon Superstore in Warwickshire, Wokingham Superstore in Berkshire, and Salisbury Extra in Wiltshire.
According to Tesco, the scanners will help customers pick fruit that best suits their needs — whether for immediate use or longer shelf life — and could also help cut down on food waste.
Divided Opinions
Not everyone is convinced the innovation is necessary.
- Tom Allingham, money expert at Save the Student, said it was “only fair” that shoppers know exactly what they are paying for.
- James Herring, CEO of Taylor Herring brand consultancy, dismissed the trial as a publicity stunt: “Britain’s supermarkets are locked in a never-ending battle for attention and spend, so every day brings a new gimmick. A quick squeeze works just as well, but the scanner has done its job — sparking chatter about food waste and burnishing Tesco’s innovation credentials.”
Social Media and Marketing
Lisa Lawrence, Tesco’s avocado buyer, explained that social media trends helped shape the decision to test the scanners.
“Smashed avocado on sourdough continues to be one of the trendiest snacks at the moment, garnering millions of views on social platforms. For that reason, we think the scanner will be really popular with shoppers.”
She added that Tesco has sold nearly 15 million more avocados this year compared with the same period last year, signaling growing demand.
Cutting Waste and Boosting Confidence
Experts say the new technology could influence shopping habits beyond avocados.
Georgia Rose, senior consultant at Kantar, said:
“Assurance around quality and value play an important role in influencing what we buy. Innovations like these need trialling to see how effective they are at reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction before a broader rollout.”
Tesco previously tested other retail tech, including giant trolley scales at a Gateshead store, which some shoppers jokingly compared to airport security checkpoints.
Cost vs. Value
While some welcome the scanners, others are wary about their potential impact on food prices.
Mr. Allingham of Save the Student noted:
“I don’t buy into the myth that young people buy too many avocados. Given the rising cost of food and the enduring cost-of-living crisis for students, if the trade-off is between scanners and cheaper food, then cheaper food is clearly the preference.”
The Verdict So Far
For Tesco, the scanners are part of a broader push to experiment with technology and stand out in a competitive supermarket market. While traditionalists argue that nothing beats the human touch of a squeeze test, others see it as a practical step toward reducing food waste and improving shopping experiences.
Whether the trial proves a long-term success will depend on both customer feedback and whether the technology delivers measurable results in reducing waste and ensuring value.
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