• Product Identification Standards
• Automated Data Capture
• E-Commerce
• Data Synchronization
• Traceability

Technology & Standards: Product Identification Standards

To achieve consistency and standardization in product identification at retail, PMA has created the PLU number and the PEIB UPC number.

PLU numbers

The PLU number is a 4- or 5-digit number that is primarily used on fresh produce items and will typically appear on a small sticker that is applied to the individual piece of fresh produce. These numbers are assigned by PMA through the Produce Electronic Identification Board (PEIB). The mission of the PEIB is to guide the produce industry on effective product identification at POS while considering new technologies, standards, regulations, mandates and/or new business practices. PMA serves as the General Secretariat of the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) in an effort to use the PLU number globally.

PEIB UPC numbers

The PEIB UPC number (Universal Product Code) uses a generic company prefix (033383) along with an item number assigned by the PEIB to serve as a UPC number for packaged produce items. This number is used by companies that do not have their own company prefix assigned by GS1 US. Access to thousands of standardized, generic UPCs for fruits and vegetables is available via online subscription.

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is an extremely important number to the food industry, used by retailers in over 100 countries. Its use in supply chain programs and tools is becoming mandatory.

GS1 DataBar (formerly known as Reduced Space Symbology (RSS))

A new set of symbologies has emerged called GS1 DataBar. GS1 DataBar is a family of barcodes designed for items that have very little space in which to place the barcode.

Related Documents (PDF)

Floral GTIN Implementation Guide   -  10/24/2008
Companies that buy, sell, pack, and distribute floral products have reached a crossroads in the way they conduct business. After increasing consolidation and expansion, companies are now finding that they must rely on boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of their supply chains to help drive continued growth.

PLU Application   -  05/19/2008
Apply for a new PLU code for fresh produce

Pallet & Case Coding: Best Practices   -  05/05/2008
Many segments of the distribuion network are determining ways to make supply chain integration more efficient. A key component of this is case and pallet coding. This document underscores the fresh produce industry's need to mark pallets and cases with bar codes, provides direction on what standardized data is relevant & gives examples of best practices.

UPC Application for Produce   -  02/01/2008
Apply for a new UPC for fresh produce

UPC Application for Floral   -  02/01/2008
Apply for a new UPC for floral

Random Weight Number Assignments For Perishables   -  09/11/2006
This list includes both contact information for perishables associations and a complete list of random weight assignments.