Massive supermarket shift in Australia keeps shoppers on their toes—prepare now!
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The humble barcode, a staple of shopping experiences for years, is undergoing a revolutionary transformation that promises to enhance how Australians shop.
This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a significant shift set to ripple through every aisle of our supermarkets and beyond, ensuring transparency and keeping retailers accountable.
Let's delve into what this means for you, the savvy shopper, and how it's poised to keep supermarkets on their toes.
From 1D to 2D For decades, the familiar stripes of the 1D barcode have been a silent companion on our shopping journeys.
However, their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent in our information-hungry age.
Introducing the 2D barcode, akin to the QR codes we've all become accustomed to during the pandemic.
These new barcodes are being rolled out by GS1, the non-profit organisation that oversees global barcode standards, and they're set to revolutionise how we interact with products.
Imagine picking up a product and accessing a wealth of information tailored to your needs with a simple smartphone scan.
This is the promise of the 2D barcode. According to QUT consumer expert Professor Gary Mortimer, these new barcodes will empower consumers with all the necessary information.
‘So now I can scan the back of a product with my phone, and it will tell me dietary issues, ingredients, and any issues that might be a problem for me, such as glutens or sodium,’ he said.
This level of detail goes far beyond the basic data provided by traditional barcodes, which can only store up to seven data points, such as the item's name, manufacturer, type, size, colour, weight, and price.
The shift to 2D barcodes is more than just a technological upgrade; it's a response to consumers' demands for greater transparency and authenticity.
Anne Godfrey, chief executive of GS1 UK, highlighted that today's shoppers crave more information about the products they buy.
‘The old barcodes do what they say on the tin—they go beep, tell you the price and get you out of the store,’ she explained.
‘But today’s consumers want much more information about the products they buy.’
The new barcodes will streamline inventory management for retailers and confirm the supply chain's integrity.
This means you can verify whether that Western Australian lobster is genuine or if high-value items like Indigenous art or luxury bags are authentic.
While you'll likely notice these changes more prominently in supermarkets, the 2D barcodes will be ubiquitous, affecting virtually every product you can buy.
Although you might not scan every item in your basket, the option will be there when needed.
This level of scrutiny will keep suppliers honest, deterring fraudulent or counterfeit products and enabling consumers to make more informed decisions.
One of the most significant benefits of the new barcodes is their potential to improve safety during product recalls.
As Professor Mortimer explained, if there's a health scare with a particular food item, the 2D barcode can pinpoint the source, processing time, and location, allowing for targeted removals rather than blanket disposals.
‘It can confirm the supply chain. So, is this really Western Australian lobster, or is this stuff that's been pulled out of Thailand?’ he detailed.
‘Having that type of 2D information will add some more authenticity and legitimacy to the products being sold.’
The transition to 2D barcodes has already begun in Australia, with major supermarkets implementing them on select products, particularly in the meat and deli sections.
Over the next few years, we can expect to see this technology expand across all product ranges, with the global rollout anticipated to be complete by 2027.
Familiarise yourself with scanning QR codes if you haven't already, and watch for these new barcodes on products.
Remember, knowledge is power, and with these advancements, you'll have more control over your purchases than ever before.
Are you excited about having more product information at your fingertips, or are you concerned about the change? Share your opinions in the comments below.
This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a significant shift set to ripple through every aisle of our supermarkets and beyond, ensuring transparency and keeping retailers accountable.
Let's delve into what this means for you, the savvy shopper, and how it's poised to keep supermarkets on their toes.
From 1D to 2D For decades, the familiar stripes of the 1D barcode have been a silent companion on our shopping journeys.
However, their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent in our information-hungry age.
2D barcodes introduced by GS1 replace traditional 1D barcodes, offering more product information. Credit: Victor Metelskiy / iStock
Introducing the 2D barcode, akin to the QR codes we've all become accustomed to during the pandemic.
These new barcodes are being rolled out by GS1, the non-profit organisation that oversees global barcode standards, and they're set to revolutionise how we interact with products.
Imagine picking up a product and accessing a wealth of information tailored to your needs with a simple smartphone scan.
This is the promise of the 2D barcode. According to QUT consumer expert Professor Gary Mortimer, these new barcodes will empower consumers with all the necessary information.
‘So now I can scan the back of a product with my phone, and it will tell me dietary issues, ingredients, and any issues that might be a problem for me, such as glutens or sodium,’ he said.
This level of detail goes far beyond the basic data provided by traditional barcodes, which can only store up to seven data points, such as the item's name, manufacturer, type, size, colour, weight, and price.
The shift to 2D barcodes is more than just a technological upgrade; it's a response to consumers' demands for greater transparency and authenticity.
Anne Godfrey, chief executive of GS1 UK, highlighted that today's shoppers crave more information about the products they buy.
‘The old barcodes do what they say on the tin—they go beep, tell you the price and get you out of the store,’ she explained.
‘But today’s consumers want much more information about the products they buy.’
The new barcodes will streamline inventory management for retailers and confirm the supply chain's integrity.
This means you can verify whether that Western Australian lobster is genuine or if high-value items like Indigenous art or luxury bags are authentic.
While you'll likely notice these changes more prominently in supermarkets, the 2D barcodes will be ubiquitous, affecting virtually every product you can buy.
Although you might not scan every item in your basket, the option will be there when needed.
This level of scrutiny will keep suppliers honest, deterring fraudulent or counterfeit products and enabling consumers to make more informed decisions.
One of the most significant benefits of the new barcodes is their potential to improve safety during product recalls.
As Professor Mortimer explained, if there's a health scare with a particular food item, the 2D barcode can pinpoint the source, processing time, and location, allowing for targeted removals rather than blanket disposals.
‘It can confirm the supply chain. So, is this really Western Australian lobster, or is this stuff that's been pulled out of Thailand?’ he detailed.
‘Having that type of 2D information will add some more authenticity and legitimacy to the products being sold.’
The transition to 2D barcodes has already begun in Australia, with major supermarkets implementing them on select products, particularly in the meat and deli sections.
Over the next few years, we can expect to see this technology expand across all product ranges, with the global rollout anticipated to be complete by 2027.
Familiarise yourself with scanning QR codes if you haven't already, and watch for these new barcodes on products.
Remember, knowledge is power, and with these advancements, you'll have more control over your purchases than ever before.
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