New VR Programme Aims to Improve Avocado Quality
The Australian avocado industry, in collaboration with Woolworths, has launched a virtual reality (VR) supply chain training programme to enhance the quality and handling of avocados from orchards to supermarket shelves as of 1st June 2026.
Funded by Hort Innovation through an avocado research and development levy, and with contributions from the Australian Government, the VR training programme is designed to simulate real-world environments across the supply chain. This initiative aims to provide consistent and scalable training for workers, ensuring high-quality avocados reach consumers.
The programme was officially launched at the Avo Connections event in Adelaide, where industry members were first introduced to the picking and packing modules. This follows a year-long collaboration between the avocado industry and Woolworths.
According to Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield, "This is another great example of innovation in collaboration, bringing growers, supply chain partners, including Woolworths, and technology together to invest in solutions for a shared challenge and lift industry performance."
Training for Consistent Quality
The VR programme equips farm staff, orchard managers, packhouse staff, and retail team members with the skills to manage quality and handling. It addresses workforce turnover and seasonal labour variability through a scalable training solution. Woolworths plans to train approximately 18,000 in-store Fruit & Veg Managers and team members.
John Tyas, CEO of Avocados Australia, highlighted the program's potential impact, stating, "Each member of our supply chain, from farm to retail, plays a critical role in delivering high quality Australian avocados to consumers. This programme aims to standardise training at each point in the supply chain to deliver a more consistent eating experience for consumers."
Woolworths Commercial Director, Fresh, Louis Eggar, commented on the retailer's commitment, "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, from orchard to store."
The training modules will become available through VR headsets and mobile devices from 1st July 2026. Woolworths will implement the programme across 1,100 stores nationwide, enhancing the connection between retail teams and the growers.
