Woolworths is set to integrate virtual reality (VR) headsets into its operations across 1,000 stores starting next month, aiming to enhance the quality of avocados, a staple of the Australian diet. The initiative, unveiled in Adelaide this week, is funded by the not-for-profit industry researcher Hort Innovation in collaboration with Avocados Australia and Woolworths.
VR Training for the Entire Supply Chain
Avocado pickers, packers, and Woolworths employees will use the VR technology to simulate and improve every step of the avocado supply chain. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding from orchard to store, ensuring consistent quality.
"This is a genuinely collaborative end-to-end program built on the latest technology that will really enhance our commitment to delivering the quality avocados our customers demand and expect," said Louis Eggar, Woolworths' fresh food commercial director. "From growers right across the country, our horticulture industry produces the most consistently amazing quality fresh fruit and vegetables. As a retailer, we’re keen to support truly innovative approaches like this that can give our teams a ‘real world’ understanding of the horticultural supply chain."
Collaborative Effort for Quality
John Tyas, CEO of Avocados Australia, emphasized the importance of proper fruit handling. "Each member of our supply chain, from farm to retail, plays a critical role in delivering high quality Australian avocados to consumers. This program aims to standardise training at each point in the supply chain to deliver a more consistent eating experience for consumers and strengthen our industry’s commitment to delivering a high-quality and valued product."
The program has been in development for a year and was showcased at the Avo Connections conference in Adelaide on Monday. Users of the VR headsets receive instructions, tips, and tests on handling avocados. For instance, at the orchard, users learn to maneuver collection sacks over crates to gently pile fruit, while warehouse packers are trained on space-efficient box packing.
The technology will be used to quickly train seasonal fruit pickers and packers, as well as up to 18,000 Woolworths staff. Starting July 1, Woolworths will deploy the VR headsets across 1,100 stores nationwide.
