The barcode, a global icon in retail, is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year, according to Retail World Magazine. The technology that transformed product identification and supply chain management continues to evolve.
The barcode was first adopted as the Universal Product Code (UPC) in 1973 and was first scanned on a pack of Wrigley's gum in 1974. Over the decades, it became ubiquitous in retail, enabling efficient inventory management and faster checkout processes.
Today, barcodes are transitioning from 1D to 2D formats like QR codes, incorporating GS1 Digital Link standards for richer data. This evolution supports modern retail needs including traceability, product authentication, and direct consumer engagement.