JICC Seeks Retailer Input on DataBar Readiness

The Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC), which represents the Grocery Manufacturers Association here and the Food Marketing Institute, Arlington, Va., is seeking input from retailers in a survey on their readiness to scan and process the new GS1 DataBar bar code that will eventually be used on coupons instead of the current UPC-A bar codes

WASHINGTON — The Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC), which represents the Grocery Manufacturers Association here and the Food Marketing Institute, Arlington, Va., is seeking input from retailers in a survey on their readiness to scan and process the new GS1 DataBar bar code that will eventually be used on coupons instead of the current UPC-A bar codes. Currently, both bar codes co-exist on many coupons, but the UPC-A code is expected to be phased out sometime next year. A recommended timetable will be announced by the JICC this summer, based on the results of the survey, said Steve Arens, directory of industry development for GS1 US, Lawrenceville, N.J. “It’s up to individual manufacturers to determine when they make the switch [to the GS1 DataBar],” said Arens.