Tesco Trials Avocado Scanner

 

Tesco has launched a trial of infrared avocado ripeness scanners in five UK stores, aiming to revolutionize how customers shop for fresh produce while tackling food waste. Developed by Dutch agritech firm OneThird, the scanners use light-based technology to assess the internal ripeness of avocados in seconds—eliminating the need for squeezing, which often damages the fruit. This innovation is part of Tesco’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes removing plastic labels and packaging from avocado products, saving over 20 million pieces of plastic annually. With avocado sales surging—15 million more sold this year compared to last—the scanner helps shoppers choose fruit suited to their needs, whether for immediate use or later consumption. By improving customer experience and reducing waste, Tesco demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday retail challenges and support environmental goals.

BBQ - How can technological innovation like Tesco’s avocado ripeness scanner improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in retail?

Avocado Scanner

Tesco Trial Free Food Giveaway

 

Tesco is to begin a trial giving expiring food to customers for free at the end of the day as it tries to cut food waste. The supermarket will give away some already discounted "yellow sticker" items after 21:30 in some of its smaller Express stores in coming months. Tesco already donates expiring food to charities and foodbanks. It says it is taking this step to try to meet its goal to halve food waste. The company said the expiring food would be offered to charities and shop workers first, before customers could take it. Tesco is Britain's largest supermarket chain, with a 27.8% market share. It has 3,700 UK stores and about 750 more abroad. All major UK supermarket chains have partnerships to send surplus food to charities. The next big four after Tesco - Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi and Morrisons - have also pledged to halve food waste by 2030. Aldi says it has achieved this already. Many supermarkets also offer steep discounts on expiring food. Tesco's trial, however, appears to be the first direct-to-customer policy in the UK. The firm has a target to cut its food waste by 50% this year, as part of its net-zero emissions push.

BBQ - Could there be any issues with Tesco giving away expiring food?

Tesco Free Food