2017 is the year of the UK's infatuation with the avocado.
Our consumption of the fruit has gone through the roof over the past year, with 'avocado hand' being such a prevalent injury that even surgeons have commented on the status of the pear.
And in the latest bid to avoid all avocado-related health injuries, Marks & Spencer have launched the stoneless avocado, a smaller version of the fruit free from deft manoeuvres with a knife.
The new product, which is grown in Spain, is normally reserved for top restaurants in Paris.
But for the month of December, Marks and Spencer will be selling them in-store.
The fruit, which are just 5-8 centimetres in length, are designed to be eaten through a 'toothpaste' method, which requires peeling the top open and squeezing them.
The cocktail avocados can also be eaten with their skin on, and are said to be perfect in salads and garnishes.
'We've had the mini, the giant, ready-sliced and we're now launching the holy grail of avocados – stoneless! This amazing fruit has been on our radar for a couple of years and we're very excited to have finally been able to get hold of some for our customers to try,' said Charlotte Curtis, an M&S agronomist, to The Telegraph.
However, the fruits will only be available in the store during December - and due to poor crops around the globe and increasing demand, the world is now experiencing an avocado shortage, stoneless or otherwise.
'We know they will be in demand and we've only been able to get our hands on a limited amount so make sure you get them while you can!'
Naturally we've already decided that we want to give these mini treats a try - now our only dilemma is how to serve them. However, insiders have said that their favourite top tip is that they're delicious deep-fried!
Will you be giving Marks and Spencer's stoneless avocados a try? Let us know in the comment box below!
