According to a report by Food & Drink International, QR codes are becoming the standard for product identification in the food and beverage sector, driven by the need for greater transparency and supply chain efficiency.
The transition from 1D barcodes to 2D QR codes allows manufacturers to encode more data, such as batch numbers, expiration dates, and links to nutritional information or promotional content. This shift supports GS1 standards and the adoption of the GS1 Digital Link, enabling consumers to scan a single code for full product details.
Industry experts note that QR codes also improve inventory management and recall processes, as each product can be tracked individually. The move aligns with global retail trends toward digitization and enhanced consumer trust, with many retailers already requiring QR codes on packaging by 2025.