It is one of the most popular fruits among foodies.

But avocado lovers worldwide have been dogged by hand injuries after cutting themselves with knives preparing the superfood.

A leading plastic surgeon even suggested last year the fruit should carry warning labels after treating four patients a week at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital with the injury dubbed “avocado hand”.

But now avocado-related troubles could be over after five creative teenagers invented a destoning and peeling tool.

They are about to see their gadget go into production after a kickstarter campaign smashed its £2,500 target.

Seth Rickard, Felix Winstanley, Shiven Patel, Pietro Pignatti Morano Campori and Matias Paz Linares, all in Year 9, were tasked by their teacher at Brighton College to come up with an innovative design that would be of use in everyday life.

Pietro struck on the idea for the tool when he was on the train to school and wanted to prepare and eat an avocado for breakfast without having to take a knife with him. The rising issue of “avocado hand” also played a part in the concept, which the boys have named Avogo thanks to its portability.

The idea went on to win the Design Museum’s Design Ventura competition in its independent and international schools category and captured the imagination of the national press.

The Avogo was splashed across national print and radio and even became a topic of debate on BBC Two’s Chris Evans’ breakfast show.

The boys launched a kickstarter fund in March to raise £2,500 to manufacture a batch of the Avogos and in 30 days a whopping £3,507 had been pledged by people either wanting the tool or simply supporting a great idea.

Now Sheffield engineering company Evenort will manufacture the tool, with 250 to roll out of the factory as a first batch. With a large chunk of the money being spent on the manufacture and materials plus the registering and trademarking of the design, the boys’ next task is to laser cut the packaging and label the recyclable cardboard that will enclose the Avogo.

Pietro said: “We are all absolutely delighted so many people are backing Avogo financially. We were incredibly happy simply to win the Design Award but to know that the Avogo will actually now be physically manufactured feels amazing.”

Design and technology teacher Sarah Awbery said: “We have had people from across Europe and the US pledging their support as well as across the UK – even though we don’t really have the wherewithal at this stage to post out abroad.

“Everyone has been so supportive, with many just saying that they will pledge money despite not being able to receive an Avogo. The school is incredibly proud that the boys have shown such great design flair and had the determination to see it through to this stage.”

The boys hope to sell their Avogos at first to parents but plan to pitch to UK retailers.