Tesco may ditch barcodes for QR codes on future packaging
Tesco is considering ditching producing barcodes to replace with QR code technology in its latest digital innovation.
www.grocerygazette.co.ukHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting.
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Tesco has been rolling out on-pack QR codes as a replacement or enhancement to traditional barcodes on a growing set of own-brand products, with several outlets reporting a UK-wide move described as a “first” in this space. This shift aims to provide deeper product information at the point of sale and improve stock control, recalls handling, and waste reduction.[2][6]
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The program is part of GS1’s broader push to standardize QR codes powered by GS1 across retailers, with Tesco participating in pilots and signaling a longer-term transition toward QR-based packaging. The goal cited by industry sources is a wide rollout by 2027.[5][9][2]
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Not all coverage is uniform on timing or scope. Some reports focus on ongoing trials in specific product lines (e.g., select sausages) and suggest gradual expansion, while others describe broader strategic implications for inventory management and customer experience.[3][4][6]
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In context, this is part of a larger industry trend toward QR codes replacing or augmenting barcodes to enable batch-level traceability, faster recalls, and more digital interactions at checkout. Retailers say the change is largely seamless for customers but carries meaningful backend benefits.[4][6][2]
Would you like me to pull and summarize the most recent headlines from a specific UK retailer or provide a brief timeline of Tesco’s QR-code rollout so far? I can also fetch current official statements from Tesco or GS1 UK if you’d like.[9][2]