Fresh produce takes next step towards...

New global implementation guidance gives fresh produce growers, packers and retailers a practical pathway to using GS1 2D Barcodes on produce price look-up stickers.

The transition to the next generation of barcodes has taken another step forward, with new global guidance released to support the adoption of GS1 2D Barcodes on loose fresh produce.

View guidelines here.

Developed by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), with input from across the global produce supply chain and GS1 organisations, the guidance focuses on the small Price Look Up (PLU) stickers used on individual fresh produce items such as apples, avocados and kiwifruit. GS1 New Zealand contributed local expertise to its development.

The guidance provides growers, packers, marketers, retailers and technology and label providers with a practical pathway from current PLU and GS1 DataBar approaches towards GS1 2D Barcodes.

Fresh produce presents a particular challenge because label space is limited. Loose produce has traditionally relied on four- or five-digit PLU numbers that may need to be entered manually at checkout or selected by customers at self-checkout.

Under the new approach, a piece of produce can be identified by its Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and scanned at checkout using a GS1 2D Barcode, while the familiar human-readable PLU remains as a backup. The same barcode can also contain a GS1 Digital Link, allowing consumers to access online product information such as provenance and producer information.

Potential benefits include more accurate pricing, easier self-checkout scanning, improved category management and greater traceability. The guidance also addresses practical issues such as barcode size, print quality, label design, data management and retailer scanning capability.

For GS1 New Zealand, the release is another sign that the global transition to GS1 2D Barcodes is moving from planning into implementation.

Klaeri Schelhowe, 2D Barcodes Lead at GS1 New Zealand, says the next phase will require close industry coordination.

“The conversation around GS1 2D Barcodes is increasingly moving from what the technology can do to how businesses can use it to deliver real value.

“For fresh produce exporters, GS1 2D Barcodes can provide a common foundation for better traceability, more efficient recalls, richer digital product information and faster access to export markets.

“This guidance gives growers, packers, exporters, retailers and solution providers a common starting point. Businesses can now identify where GS1 2D Barcodes add value, engage with trading partners and prepare their systems and processes.”

Getting this foundation right will help New Zealand exporters respond more efficiently to evolving traceability, digital labelling and market-access requirements.

GS1 is working globally and in New Zealand with retailers, suppliers, industry organisations and technology providers to support the transition. New Zealand fresh produce businesses considering implementation can engage with GS1 New Zealand on GS1 standards and their pathway to GS1 2D Barcodes, alongside discussions with customers, retailers, label suppliers and technology providers.