BARCODES

Barcode Information – Beverages

1. Purpose of Barcodes

Barcodes are required for product identification, retail scanning, inventory management, and traceability.
In the beverage industry, barcodes also support export, warehousing, and logistics efficiency.

2. Barcode Standards

• UPC (Universal Product Code)

  • Common in the USA & Canada

  • 12 digits

  • Example: 0 12345 67890 5

• EAN (European Article Number, now GTIN-13)

  • Standard in Europe & internationally

  • 13 digits

  • Example: 5 012345 678901

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

  • Can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits

  • Used globally under GS1 standard

3. Assigning Barcodes

• Each SKU requires its own barcode

  • Different flavors, sizes, and packaging formats must each have a unique barcode.

  • Example:

    • 250 mL Energy Drink – Berry → One barcode

    • 250 mL Energy Drink – Citrus → Another barcode

    • 500 mL Energy Drink – Berry → Another barcode

• Multipacks & Cases

  • A 6-pack or 24-pack also needs its own barcode (different from the single unit).

4. Barcode Registration

• Obtain from GS1 (Global Standards Organization) in your country

  • Membership provides a Company Prefix, from which you generate product barcodes

• Only official GS1-issued codes are globally recognized by retailers and distributors

5. Printing on Beverage Packaging

• Location: Usually printed near the back label, bottom section, or side of the package

• Size Standards:

  • Minimum height: 25 mm (including numbers)

  • Minimum width: 80% of original size

  • Quiet zone: Clear space around the barcode with no text/images

• Print Quality: Must be scannable on curved surfaces (cans, PET bottles) → test before mass production

6. Additional Barcode Types for Beverages

• ITF-14 (Carton Code): For master cartons & cases → used in warehousing and logistics

• QR Code (Optional): Can link to brand website, product details, or promotions (not for retail scanning, but for marketing)

• Data Matrix / GS1-128: For batch coding, expiry dates, and traceability (often in pharma & premium beverages)

7. Regulatory & Retail Requirements

• Supermarkets and large distributors require GS1-certified barcodes

• Some markets (EU, US, Middle East) require batch/lot coding + expiration date printed near barcode for traceability

• Export shipments may require outer carton barcodes (ITF-14) for pallet scanning