Sainsbury's launches new healthier avocado
UK's first lower fat, lower calorie avocado.
The new variety of avocado called frias contains 30 per cent less fat that the more commonly known hass avocado, whilst still containing the same vitamins and minerals.Frias avocadoes are on sale at Sainsbury's now priced £1.49 (€2.22).
"Generally people love to eat avocado but feel it is something that needs to be eaten in moderation, with this new variety our customers can enjoy this flavoured fruit without feeling guilty," said Sainsbury's avocado buyer Chris Wells.
Sainsbury's is keeping abreast of current health trends as the first supermarket to offer the new healthier avocado to British consumers. The food retailer now sells 15 million avocadoes per year, after witnessing a surge in popularity during the last five years.
"The health benefits are there to be enjoyed by anyone who would already enjoy avocadoes and for those who will maybe now try something new," a spokeswoman for Sainsbury's told FoodandDrinkEurope.com.
Spokespeople for Tesco's and Asda told FoodandDrinkEurope.com that they had no plans to offer the avocado or an alternative in stores in the near future.
Avocadoes are high in monosaturated fat and good for the heart when eaten with a healthy balanced diet. They also contain vitamin E which acts as an anti-oxidant.
Avocado production is mostly based in Mexico and Southern California. The EU remains the world largest importer of avocadoes, importing 40 per cent of its supply from non-member states.
The research markets group estimates that demand will grow in Europe as avocadoes become more available and as the organic market begins to mature.
