Typical UPC-A for retail

Many new products make the move to the ‘big time’ when they get a UPC code on their label.  This is required by many distributors and large chain stores.  The most common barcode format for retail packaging is the UPC.

UPC numers must be registerd, just like an internet domain name, so that when a code is scanned in the grocery store, the proper price is displayed and the store’s inventory is reduced by one unit to reflect the sale.

To make sure that two products don’t have the same UPC, like domain names, there is a central clearinghouse to coordinate this activity.  The clearinghouse is GS1 - formerly known as the Uniform Code Council.  You can find excellent information, and actually sign up for your own UPC code in minutes at this website:

GS1 - Barcode Leaders - http://www.gs1.org/barcodes

As always, you can call the experts at Rose City Label with barcode questions, too.  We are happy to help!

Customers needing help getting a new food product to market have a great resource right here in our local market.  The OSU Food Innovation Center is an outreach program to help new and existing businesses bring new, exciting food products into the market.  They offer technical and food safety information, best practices training, and even help with marketing, packaging, and getting your new product picked up by distributors.

If you are new or want to grow your business, check out http://fic.oregonstate.edu/

Tell them your friends at Rose City Label sent you to them - they will help you every step of the way!