Tesco has decided to replace barcodes with QR codes on a full selection of its own-brand products. This switch will involve using QR codes on the packaging of 13 varieties of Tesco’s own-label sausages, such as Tesco Pork Sausages, Tesco Pork Chipolatas, Tesco British Pork Sausage Meat, British Cumberland Sausages, and British Lincolnshire Sausages.
QR codes offer the advantage of storing more information than traditional barcodes, including details like recipes, nutritional facts, allergen information, and recycling instructions. They are also convenient as they can be scanned by smartphones from any orientation.
The supermarket initiated a trial run of these new codes last year on certain fresh produce items as part of a broader industry shift guided by GS1, the global organization responsible for barcode standards.
Tesco mentioned that the adoption of QR codes will provide them with enhanced product information in stores, aiding in more accurate ordering and reduced waste. Furthermore, QR codes will enable retailers to pinpoint specific batches of products during recalls instead of having to remove all items.
Peter Draper, Tesco’s development and change director, stated that this transition to QR codes represents a significant advancement for the retail sector. Customers will experience minimal change at the checkout, yet the industry will benefit greatly from improved food waste management, stock control, and the introduction of new digital features for customers.
Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK, praised Tesco’s move to QR codes across its product range, highlighting the potential for a more connected and transparent future in retail. She hopes that other companies will follow suit to offer consumers and businesses richer and more reliable product information.
According to Ms. Godfrey, nearly half of British retailers have updated their checkouts to accommodate QR codes, with brands like L’Oreal, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble already integrating them. She foresees a future where every product will feature a QR code containing all pertinent information, catering to the evolving consumer demand for detailed product data.