Australian-first avocado ripeness scanner trial aims to tackle top consumer frustrations

The Australian avocado industry has launched an Australian-first trial of a retail ripeness scanner to support domestic demand growth by addressing top frustrations for growers, consumers and retailers as part of the avocado levy funded R&D project, Monitoring avocado supply chain quality (AV22011).  

The Avocado Retail Ripeness Scanner aims to support consumers to confidently choose avocados at their desired ripeness stage and reduce consumer induced bruising. 

The trial is testing a retail “ripeness checker” developed by agri-tech company OneThird, which uses patented technology including near-infrared spectroscopy to assess ripeness. The consumer-facing scanner provides an instant indication of when fruit is likely to be ready to eat and how to correctly store the avocado for optimal quality.  

Bruising remains one of the most persistent challenges in the avocado category, with industry research showing most damage occurs instore with 47 per cent of consumers squeezing 3 or more avocados before purchasing.  

Hort Innovation Chief Executive Officer Brett Fifield said the trial reflects the value of industry-led innovation backed by targeted R&D investment. 

“This is a great example of how collaboration between industry and technology providers can unlock practical solutions to longstanding challenges,” Mr Fifield said.

“By supporting trials like this, we’re helping generate real-time insights that can improve quality outcomes, strengthen confidence at the retail shelf and deliver benefits for the whole category.” 

Funded by Hort Innovation’s avocado research and development levy project, Monitoring Avocado Supply Chain Quality (AV22011), the trial will also explore how ripeness data generated in-store can support better decision-making across the supply chain, from retail handling to future quality improvements. 

The small-scale Australian trial is currently in market across select retail stores, with findings expected to inform future approaches to ripeness management and retail education. 

Read the full news release from Avocados Australia: 
https://avocado.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Australian-Avocado-Industry-Launches-In-Store-Ripeness-Scanner-Trial-to-Tackle-Top-Consumer-Frustrations-FINAL-260317.pdf