Retailers and consumers alike often find it challenging to determine if an avocado on a supermarket shelf is ripe. Now the avocado industry believes it may have found a solution, with Avocados Australia launching a trial of an in-store ripeness scanner.
Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said finding an avocado at the right stage of ripeness is a key consumer frustration. Industry data shows that around 75 per cent of consumers seek avocados that can be consumed within two days.
“If we can help consumers select avocados with greater confidence, we support better eating experiences, reduce bruising and further strengthen trust in Australian avocados.”
The scanner allows users to assess ripeness and reduces handling that can cause bruising. Industry data indicates that 47 per cent of consumers handle three or more avocados before purchase, contributing to product loss for growers and retailers.
While manual methods such as pressing near the stem are widely used, the scanner reduces physical handling and associated product damage.
Developed by Dutch agri-tech company OneThird – the scanner uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure fruit firmness without causing damage and to estimate fruit readiness for consumption. It includes storage guidance to help consumers make purchasing decisions.
The technology has also been trialled in Europe with retailers including Kaufland and Tesco, as well as in Thailand.
Implications for the supply chain
In addition to consumer use, the device assists retailers by providing data on in-store conditions and purchasing patterns. Metrics on shelf ripeness, purchasing behaviour, and peak periods can support merchandising, inventory management, and waste reduction.
Initial results indicate that the device is being used for about 45 per cent of avocados sold each week in participating stores. The associated platform provides data that can be used by fresh produce managers to monitor product condition and support stock management.
Tyas said the Australian avocado industry continues to invest in research and development to support product quality and consumer use.
