2 weeks Ago
Tesco has revealed it’s considering a major change at checkouts and to all products, to help shoppers in the near future. It comes as the supermarket giant has launched a trial to replace traditional barcodes on 12 of its own-branded fresh produce and meat items at some of its stores across the UK. If successful, the move would see Tesco replace hundreds of product barcodes with QR code technology in its latest digital modernisation, according to Retail Gazette.
The technology, reported to still be in its early stages of development, could soon be available to scan at tills and on customers’ mobile phones. The new scanning feature would provide shoppers with important nutritional information about the product they are buying. Tesco trialling QR codes to replace barcodes on all products Tesco’s supply chain development and change director, Isabela De Pedro, told Retail Gazette the company is working with 10 suppliers and is trialling the new packaging across “about 20%” of its shops in the South of England.
De Pedro shared the technology could offer details about the product’s nutritional information, use-by dates, alternative suggestions and recommendations to customers. Previously speaking at the Retail Technology Show 2025, she explained: “It’s certainly our intention to make sure the customers better understand the product. What's the Difference Between Best Before and Use-By? “You’ve got a real limit on the current packaging and there are so many regulatory things you have to put on there, that gets priority.
“The QR opens up the door to do all of this stuff...
to talk about origin, nutritionals, health, alternatives, locally sourced stuff.” Recommended reading: Tesco shoppers facing 'empty shelves' due to 'shortage' of popular items 'Do not eat': Products sold at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda and more recalled Tesco issues Clubcard warning as shoppers told they have days to act However, it’s not the first time Tesco has experimented with a new barcode format. Last year, the supermarket attempted to swap out traditional stickers on its avocados with laser-etched barcodes in a bid to reduce waste.
Newsquest has contacted Tesco for comment..
