What’s the bigger crime: wrapping a fruit that already comes in a natural, fully biodegradable shell in what looks like rage-inducing clamshell packaging or selling two avocado halves for $4?
That’s a question Canadians are currently grappling with after a Sobeys shopper posted a picture of an avocado for sale at his local shop in Thornhill, Ontario that was enveloped in plastic and cardboard.
Surprised and disappointed after a friend posted a picture of an avocado for sale at his local Sobeys in Thornhill, ON….
Posted by Christine Kizik on Friday, March 11, 2016
Sobeys responded in classic marketing speak, saying “this product was developed for people who might be new to using avocados and for a little more convenience.”
‘A little more convenience’ could be reasonable if we were talking about, say, a whole fish or pomegranates – which are, in fact, pre-dealt with by professionals – but avocados hardly necessitate pre-processing.
Sobeys has a different opinion: “It eliminates the guess work when it comes to ripeness and any challenges if you are not familiar with peeling and seeding a fresh avocado. The packaging is there to keep the fresh wholesome appearance and quality of the avocado without it browning prior to consumption,” the company wrote.
While it does make sense for people with limited manual dexterity, most people considered it a wasteful travesty. One man even requested a version with the avocado cut into bite-size pieces with each piece wrapped in its own box just to take the piss.
A close second to Whole Foods’ $6 asparagus water.
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