Apr 29, 2014

Move to exclusive use of GS1 DataBar would reduce fraud and mis-redemption

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC) today issued a call for industry comments on its intent to initiate the GS1 Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) to retire the use of the GS1 UPC Prefix 5 and GS1/EAN Prefix 99 barcode symbols on all coupons issued in North America by June 30, 2015. The JICC will accept comments on its intention until June 16, 2014. 

The JICC plans to submit a request to GS1 to retire the UPC Prefix 5 and GS1 Prefix 99 symbols from use as described in the GS1 General Specifications to help move the industry toward exclusive use of the GS1 DataBar symbol on coupons (and away from hybrid formats containing both the DataBar and the UPC Prefix 5 or GS1 Prefix 99).  In addition to coupon redemption efficiencies, exclusive use of the GS1 DataBar can reduce incidences of intentional coupon fraud and unintentional coupon mis-redemption.

To affirm its strategy, the JICC is inviting industry stakeholders to provide comments on the committee’s plan to seek retirement of the UPC Prefix 5 and GS1/EAN Prefix 99 symbols on all coupons in North America. Stakeholders should submit comments to Jeanne Iglesias, senior director of industry affairs at GMA, by June 16, 2014, at JIglesias@gmaonline.org.

The JICC works to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the development, distribution and redemption of coupons. It is comprised of retailer and manufacturer executives who oversee coupon programs and is administered by the Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores and National Grocers Association.

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Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org. - See more at: http://www.fmi.org/about-us#sthash.bdmCXL1i.dpuf

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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.

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NACDS represents traditional drug stores and supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate more than 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ 125 chain member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ more than 3.8 million individuals, including 175,000 pharmacists. They fill over 2.7 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 800 supplier partners and nearly 40 international members representing 13 countries. For more information, visit www.NACDS.org.

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The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers.  For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.

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