Tesco is currently testing avocado ripeness scanners at five stores in England, prompting varied reactions among consumers regarding its usefulness. The initiative seeks to assist shoppers in determining the ripeness of avocados, a fruit becoming increasingly popular for dishes such as avocado toast. According to Tom Allingham, a money expert with Save the Student, the technology may help customers make informed purchases, while some, like James Herring, CEO of brand consultancy Taylor Herring, argue that traditional methods, like squeezing the avocado, are just as effective.
Herring noted that supermarkets are continually looking for attention-grabbing innovations and suggested that the avocado scanner could enhance Tesco’s image as a forward-thinking brand. His comments indicate that such initiatives may serve a dual purpose: engaging the public in discussions about food waste and promoting the store’s innovative capabilities.
Lisa Lawrence, an avocado buyer at Tesco, stated that social media trends have influenced the soft launch of this technology. With millions of views on avocado recipes across platforms, Lawrence believes the scanner will appeal to many shoppers. Tesco’s sales figures reflect this trend; the store has reportedly sold nearly 15 million more avocados this year than last, emphasizing the fruit’s rising popularity.
The avocado scanners are situated in the fruit aisles of select stores, including locations in Cheshunt, Colchester, Stratford upon Avon, Wokingham, and Salisbury. This trial follows a previous initiative involving giant trolley scales at a different Tesco store, which garnered mixed feedback from customers.
While some believe the scanners could help reduce food waste and enhance customer satisfaction, concerns exist regarding the potential impact on avocado prices amid ongoing economic pressures. Allingham highlighted the importance of keeping food affordable, especially for price-sensitive demographics such as students.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vzxxlxky4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss