For 50 years, the humble barcode has been the backbone of global commerce. Scanned billions of times daily, it has enabled efficient checkouts, inventory management, and product tracking across the supply chain.
Now, as consumers demand greater transparency and regulators tighten disclosure requirements, the industry is preparing for the next evolution — GS1 QR Codes.
A coalition of 26 global companies, including Procter & Gamble, Mondelez, L'Oréal, Nestlé, and Alibaba, is driving the shift towards these next-generation barcodes. With pilots running in 48 countries covering 88 percent of the world’s GDP, the transition is already well underway. In New Zealand, supermarket shelves are beginning to feature products from global brands carrying GS1 QR Codes, marking the beginning of a major industry transformation.
What This Means for Retailers and Consumers
Unlike traditional barcodes, GS1 QR Codes offer more than just a scan at checkout. These two-dimensional (2D) barcodes can be scanned by both point-of-sale systems and consumer smartphones, providing instant access to detailed product information such as ingredients, allergens, usage instructions, and recycling details.
“GS1 QR Codes will revolutionise how New Zealand businesses manage stock, reduce wastage, provide allergen information, and engage with consumers in real time,” said Dr Peter Stevens, CEO of GS1 New Zealand.
“Their adoption is gaining traction in Australasia, and it’s only a matter of time before we see a higher volume of global brands using these new barcodes. What concerns us now is the readiness of Kiwi businesses to scan these products and assist their consumers.”
A 2027 Deadline: Is New Zealand Ready?
The global goal is for GS1 QR Codes to be scannable at retail checkouts by the end of 2027. For New Zealand businesses, this means adapting now to ensure a smooth transition.
- Retailers should upgrade point-of-sale scanners to read 2D barcodes aligned with GS1 standards.
- Manufacturers should start integrating GS1 QR Codes on product packaging to stay ahead of the transition.
A Game-Changer for Food Safety and Waste Reduction
New Zealand Food Safety supports the rollout of GS1 QR Codes, seeing them as a critical step in strengthening food safety measures.
“The new 2D barcodes are an exciting innovation that will add a valuable layer of food safety protection for New Zealand consumers,” says Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director-General of New Zealand Food Safety.
“Recalled products will be removed from shelves faster, and affected items can be blocked at checkout. These barcodes also have the potential to reduce food waste, addressing another key concern for consumers.”
The Future of Supermarket Labelling
Industry leaders agree that this transition represents a landmark moment, comparable to the original introduction of barcodes.
“The transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards will happen gradually, but those who move quickly will unlock new capabilities and provide more value to customers,” said Mark Batenic, Chairman of the Independent Grocers Alliance.
As retailers and manufacturers in New Zealand prepare for this shift, early adoption will be key to maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly digital retail environment.
The clock is ticking — will the industry be ready by 2027?
You can read the full list of retailers & the global joint statement here.
More news here.
