UK supermarket to use laser marks to label avocados
Marks & Spencer said a successful trial could lead to the initiative being rolled out to other fruits and vegetables. It believes the move, which will use less energy and lead to a lower carbon footprint, is a first for the UK.
Earlier this year, Dutch fruit and veg supplier Nature & More collaborated with Swedish supermarket ICA to pioneer the technology, replacing the sticky labels on organic avocados and sweet potatoes with a laser mark. The labelling works by shining intense light onto the avocado’s skin, which retracts back and discolours only the very top layer, meaning it does not damage the fruit.
The avocados are lasered with the M&S logo, the best before date, country of origin and product code for entering at the till. M&S fruit technologist Charlie Curtis said: “When we first saw the technology in Sweden a couple of years ago, I knew we had to get involved. “We’ve been following it for a while and are so excited to finally be launching it on avocados.”
source: scotsman.com
