The first barcode was scanned at a grocery store in Troy, Ohio in 1974. In an instant, the unassuming pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum associated with the barcode instigated a new era of data-driven food retail. The group behind administering the standard encoded in the U.P.C. label? An entity called the Uniform Code Council (UCC), which has evolved into a non-profit dedicated to maintaining such standards world-wide. That organization is now known as GS1.
Traceability is picking up steam as regulators and customers drive for transparency, brands identify the ROI, and the industry looks towards new technology adoption. Read the Current State of Traceability E-Book for a deeper dive on the movement.
The food industry is experiencing a renaissance, and safety and transparency are the cornerstones of this new direction. As consumers continue to express concern for what is in their food and federal regulations begin to reflect this sentiment, it is increasingly important for food growers, suppliers and retailers to deliver the highest quality products with the most clarity possible.
