Avocado Ripeness Scanner Trialed in Sydney Supermarket to Address Waste and Consumer Selection

Australia Trials Innovative Avocado Ripeness Scanner

Australia is conducting a trial of a new avocado ripeness scanner developed by Dutch agri-tech company OneThird. One device has been implemented in a Sydney supermarket with the aim of assessing avocado ripeness non-invasively, reducing fruit damage and waste, and improving the consumer experience.

Introduction to the Trial

A Sydney supermarket is currently trialing Australia's first avocado ripeness scanner. The device, developed by the Dutch agri-tech company OneThird, is designed to evaluate avocado ripeness without causing physical damage to the fruit.

This initiative seeks to address issues related to consumer frustration and significant food waste within the avocado industry.

How the Scanner Functions

The scanner operates by emitting a near-infrared wavelength of light into the avocado. Upon impacting specific molecules within the fruit, this light refracts back out and is detected by sensors.

Through extensive calibration processes, the data collected by the machine is correlated with laboratory ripeness assessments, which may involve pressure devices. This process allows the scanner to determine the fruit's readiness and present it to customers via a customizable ripeness scale.

Benefits for Consumers and Industry

The technology aims to mitigate common consumer frustrations, such as purchasing bruised avocados resulting from manual squeezing. Avocados often become more susceptible to damage once they reach supermarket shelves, as their skin robustness diminishes after being picked.

Manual handling by multiple shoppers during this fragile state can cause internal damage, leading to brown marks under the skin and impacting internal flesh. Avocado grower Sarah Tucker-Boehm noted the scanner's potential to assist consumers in meal planning by providing information on when their avocados will be ready for consumption.

The scanner also holds potential for significant waste reduction.

Data from Avocados Australia indicates that nearly 50% of customers squeeze three or more avocados before making a purchase.

This frequent handling contributes to fruit being removed from shelves due to damage, thereby increasing waste. Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas stated that the device could reduce waste.

Industry Context and Challenges

The Australian avocado industry has experienced substantial growth in exports, which have increased sevenfold over the past three years and now account for approximately 15-20% of total production. However, the industry is currently facing challenges.

A strong domestic supply, coupled with global events affecting traditional markets such as the Middle East, has led to a redirection of fruit to established markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Western Australia has also expanded its exports to India, Thailand, and Japan. Despite export growth, growers are reporting returns that are often below the cost of production.

Avocados Australia is currently developing models to extend the technology to other avocado varieties. Both major and independent retailers have expressed interest in the ripeness scanners.

The industry anticipates an improvement in market conditions within the latter half of the year, with the ripeness scanner viewed as a potential tool to help the industry by reducing waste and improving consumer satisfaction.