Tesco launches avocado spread

Avocados are so popular they’ve recently overtaken sales of childhood fruit favourite oranges in the UK, supermarket chain Tesco reports.

The most recent 52 week IRI retail sales data shows that the UK avocado market is now worth £150m a year while the UK orange market is worth £126m.

In a press release, the retailer said “super trendy avocado” is set to gain even more fans with Tesco’s launch of an avocado spread substitute for butter and margarine. The dairy free spread will cost £1.20 and be available in 400 Tesco stores across the UK.

It said the move follows other recent avocado food innovations made by it, introducing:

• the UK’s first ever prepared perfectly ripe frozen avocados,
• the world’s largest avocado, called Avozilla, which is five times bigger than standard variety.

Tesco spreads buyer Dean Rawlinson said: “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.

“We’re always looking for innovative new avocado products for customers such as the Avozilla or frozen avocado which we launched last year.

“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.”

In the last year demand for avocados at Tesco has grown by 40%, making it one of the UK’s fastest growing established fruit varieties.

Avocados are also extremely popular in the form of guacamole, which is an essential part of Mexican cuisine and also as an ingredient in smoothies.

Other Tesco avocado products include: finest* Chipotle, Quinoa and Avocado Salad; Squeezy Guacamole Sauce; and even an Avocado and Oatmeal Facemask.

Tesco Avocado Spread:

• Is a source of vitamin A, D and Omega 3 fatty acids
• Is suitable for vegetarians and vegans
• Contains less saturated fat, calories and salt when compared to butter