FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Consumer Packaged Goods Industry: Deferred Implementation Date for GS1 Coupon DataBar Necessary
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
August 11, 2009
WASHINGTON D.C. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today announced that the last and final implementation step of the GS1 DataBar on coupons, originally scheduled for January 1, 2010, will be deferred until January 1, 2011.
After collecting both quantitative survey data and qualitative feedback from retail and supplier representatives during a public comment period, the Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC) affirmed its earlier recommendation that the UPC-A barcode not be replaced with the GS1 DataBar on January 1, 2010. The research revealed that many retailers would not have the necessary equipment and POS software in place to implement the new GS1 Data Bar technology by 2010. Deferring implementation to 2011 ensures that the industry has adequate time to prepare for the transition.
The JICC emphasizes that the industry should expedite work toward the final implementation and the various benefits that the GS1 DataBar will bring to both retailers and manufacturers. Upon implementation, manufacturers will have the opportunity to develop more robust coupon offers, including coupon values in any amount up to $999.99. Retailers will experience automatic expiration date checking, a reduced need for bypass code, reduced cashier intervention, improved scan rates and increased speed of checkout.
“Despite the deferred implementation position of the committee, the JICC encourages retailers to proceed with implementation of the GS1 DataBar as soon as they are ready and not wait until the 2011 date,” said Stephen Sibert, GMA senior vice president of industry affairs. “Early adoption will help ensure the smoothest transition possible and allow manufacturers and retailers to fulfill our shared mission of serving consumers quickly and efficiently.”
The Joint Industry Coupon Committee works to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the development, distribution and redemption of coupons. It is comprised of individuals from retailers and manufacturers who oversee coupon programs and includes representatives from GMA, Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association and National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe. Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders. In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
Related GMA Documents dealing with - COUPONS
NEWS RELEASE
- August 11, 2009 Consumer Packaged Goods Industry: Deferred Implementation Date for GS1 Coupon DataBar Necessary
- June 18, 2009 GMA Supports Deferring GS1 DataBar Implementation for Coupons, Calls for Industry Comment
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