Avocado Revolution: How Ovavo’s Upcycled Skins Are Pioneering Sustainable Food Innovation

Hayley Bischoff
Design Thinking for Social Innovation
2 min readApr 19, 2024

I apologize that this post is getting to the class page so late! I had it on my personal page for months without realizing I hadn’t published it correctly. Oops!

Food waste is becoming a growing issue that has heightened in awareness among consumers and business owners alike. It is often at the forefront of sustainability discussions, and consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of how they dispose of their food. When prompted to reflect on a social innovation article, it reminded me of a New Zealand-based, company, Ovavo that is working to upcycle avocado skins by making them into a freeze-dried powder. By transforming avocado waste into a nutrient-dense powder, Ovavo is not only reducing the environmental impact of the avocado industry but also contributing to a more sustainable and circular approach to food production.

The emphasis on health and nutrition, with the potential use of avocado skin extract in supplements and various food products, aligns with my interest in conscious and wholesome living. It’s fascinating to see how a part of the fruit that would typically be discarded as waste can be repurposed into something valuable and beneficial for human health.

Moreover, the article highlights the economic impact of such ventures, with support from governmental sustainable funds and recognition from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. This underscores the potential for businesses like Ovavo to redefine economies and contribute to job creation, emphasizing the broader positive implications of sustainable entrepreneurship. By shedding light on these issues and presenting viable solution, Ovavo paths the way for other start-ups to tackle social issues through innovation.

The global market potential for Ovavo’s product, particularly in the US, demonstrates the scalability of sustainable solutions and the demand for environmentally conscious products on a larger scale. It’s inspiring to witness a local initiative with the potential to make a global impact, showcasing the interconnectedness of environmental, health, and economic considerations. Overall, the article leaves me hopeful and motivated, showcasing the transformative power of innovation and sustainability in addressing complex challenges. I hope to eventually see this product on shelves, as we often see lots of innovation in the media; however, translating it into a viable good remains challenging for many innovators.

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