Tesco has launched an avocado spread under its own-label range in a bid to capitalise on the fruit’s booming popularity.
The dairy-free spread, which contains 24% avocado oil and is a source of vitamins A and D and Omega 3, is being pitched as an alternative to butter and margarine, and went on sale in 400 Tesco stores nationwide this week, alongside a sister spread made with coconut oil (rsp: £1.20/250g).
The launch comes as avocado sales have gone from strength to strength, with value sales jumping by 25.9% and volumes up by 27.9% in the wake of a well-documented ‘avocado craze’ which saw the fruit overtake oranges in the nation’s affections [Nielsen 52 w/e 10 October 2015].
Demand for avocados had risen by 40% over the past year, said Tesco, which also recently launched ripe frozen avocados, as well as the world’s largest avocado, called Avozilla, which is five times bigger than the standard variety.
“Shoppers can’t get enough of avocados, which have become extremely popular on account of their great taste, versatility in food and drinks as well as for their nutritional benefits,” said Tesco spreads buyer Dean Rawlinson.
“With this, the UK’s first ever avocado spread, our product developers have created a new and exciting way for shoppers to benefit from the excellent health credentials of avocados in even more ways.” It comes as M&S launched packs of pre-cut avocado slices last month, while growers have warned supplies could tighten due to an increase in global demand for the fruit.
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