Tesco has made the switch from traditional barcodes to QR codes across a selection of its in-house product range. This modification will involve the use of QR codes on the packaging of 13 varieties of Tesco’s own-brand sausages, including 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 barcodes, such as recipes, nutritional details, allergen specifics, and recycling instructions. Additionally, they provide the convenience of being scannable by smartphones from any orientation.
Last year, the supermarket initiated trials of these new codes on certain fresh produce items. This transition aligns with a broader industry movement led by GS1, the global organization responsible for barcode standards.
By implementing QR codes, Tesco aims to enhance its product information accuracy in stores, leading to more precise ordering and reduced waste. Furthermore, QR codes enable retailers to pinpoint specific product batches in case of recalls, eliminating the need to discard all items.
Peter Draper, Tesco’s development and change director, emphasized the significance of this shift, stating that while customers may not notice a major change at checkout, the retail sector views it as a significant advancement. Moving to QR codes is expected to enhance food waste reduction, optimize stock management, and offer new digital advantages to customers.
Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK, commended Tesco’s adoption of QR codes across its product range as a significant progression for UK retail, promoting a more connected and transparent future. She hopes that this move will inspire other retailers to follow suit, benefiting both consumers and businesses with enhanced product information.
Ms. Godfrey mentioned in a previous Mail Online interview that nearly half of British retailers have updated their checkouts to accommodate QR codes. Notable brands like L’Oreal, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble have also started using QR codes, signaling a shift away from traditional barcodes toward a more informative and consumer-focused approach.
