Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, announced it will remove traditional barcodes from its own-brand food range and replace them with QR codes, calling the shift a revolutionary step in retail technology. The move, reported by Google News , is part of a broader industry transition toward two-dimensional barcodes that can carry more product information.
The new QR codes, which comply with GS1 Digital Link standards, will allow shoppers to access detailed product data—such as origin, ingredients, and recycling instructions—by scanning with their smartphones. This transition from one-dimensional (1D) barcodes to two-dimensional (2D) codes is expected to enhance traceability and efficiency in the supply chain, reducing waste and improving inventory management.
Tesco's initiative reflects a global shift in retail standards as major retailers and manufacturers prepare for the eventual phase-out of traditional UPC/EAN barcodes. While the change may require initial investment in scanning infrastructure, the long-term benefits for both consumers and retailers are significant, including fresher food and reduced counterfeiting risks.