PLU codes have been used by supermarkets since 1990 to make check-out and inventory control easier, faster and more accurate. PLU codes are used to identify bulk produce (and related items such as nuts and herbs). They tell the supermarket cashier whether an apple is a conventionally grown Fuji apple which may sell for $1.29 per pound versus an organically grown Fuji apple which may sell for $2.29 per pound.
IFPS is the global organization that assigns PLU codes to produce items.
IFPS is currently working with GS1 on their Databar project with regard to PLU reference/inclusion. The GS1 system is a series of standards designed to improve supply chain management, and as such, the GS1 aims are compatible with IFPS.
