PLU code
PLU stands for price look-up. IFPS PLU codes are used on produce items that are sold loose or bunched, by weight or by each (i.e. an individual apple or bunch of greens). An IFPS PLU code contains 4 to 5 digits. The IFPS PLU code is key-entered at the point of sale in order to obtain the price. IFPS PLU codes are approved and assigned by
International Price Look-Up (PLU) numbering scheme for produce items. The international PLU system is governed by voluntary cooperation of participating countries that are represented by national or regional representatives on the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) Board of Directors. PLU codes have been used by supermarkets since 1990 to make check-out and inventory control easier, faster, and more accurate.
In 2001, the national users of PLU codes for produce met and formed a group to administer PLU codes at a global level. That group, now the IFPS, continues to address harmonization of the international PLU codes for produce items and is a forum for other standardization efforts impacting the produce sector. New IFPS PLU applications may be reviewed at a regional or national level before submission to the IFPS. The IFPS recognizes that a regional or national review group may exist to ensure this process.
IFPS Member
IFPS membership is divided into two classes:
Ordinary Members: National trade associations or groups of regional trade associations acting in a broad representative capacity that are representing the interests of companies actively engaged in the fresh produce industry supply chain.
Associate Members: Any individual or organization associated with the fresh produce industry supply chain, but not operating as part of it.
IFPS National or Regional Review Group
Groups of national trade associations and/or industry representatives responsible for the review of IFPS PLU applications before submission to the IFPS. Depending on the region this national review may then flow through a regional review group before submission to the IFPS.
Restricted Use IFPS PLU codes
A PLU code approved and assigned by the IFPS Board for produce either
- a) restricted FOR use only in one specific country or group of countries or
- b) restricted FROM use in one specific country or group of countries.
Retailer Assigned IFPS PLU codes
A PLU code approved and assigned by an individual retailer for use in their retail outlets only. Retailer Assigned codes are part of the master list of IFPS PLU codes which can be utilized in the IFPS PLU scheme
In some countries, retailers have opted for national coordination of these numbers.
- The IFPS PLU scheme for identifying produce sold in bulk/loose at retail was first introduced in the U.S. and Canada but has spread to include use by retailers in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Norway, Sweden and Mexico.
- An IFPS PLU code is a 4- or 5- digit number used to identify loose or bulk produce. The number can be used in the following ways:
- It can be placed on a small sticker on the individual item.
- In some instances, such as grapes or cherries, the IFPS PLU number is printed on the outside of the open bag.
- If an item is too small, or the surface not appropriate to hold a sticker, the IFPS PLU code will not be on the item but will be used in retail systems and at the point-of-sale (cashier).
- The use of IFPS PLU codes is voluntary. IFPS PLU codes utilize numbers in the ranges of 3000 – 4999, 93000 – 94999 and will expand to include the 83000 and 84000 series in the future.
- A prefix of ‘9’ is used in front of the 4- digit number (3000 or 4000) to identify the item as organic creating the range 93000 – 94999 for organically grown produce items.
- On the supply side of the industry, any grower/packer/shipper shipping to any country utilizing the IFPS PLU codes for fresh produce needs to ensure they meet the expectations of their customers. This typically means that the 4- or 5- digit number must be printed on a small sticker (or by other means depending on the produce) and adhered to the individual pieces of produce.
- Foodservice operators/receivers do not typically utilize the IFPS PLU system since most of the produce they receive is used in food preparation but it is recommended that you discuss this issue with your foodservice customers.
- Utilizing the correct IFPS PLU is crucial as an incorrect number will lead to incorrect identification, and therefore pricing, of product at the Point of Sale (POS). If an incorrect number is noticed before the produce is placed in the supermarket, retailers may request that the shipper re-label the product or may re-label it themselves. In either instance, it leads to additional costs in both material and staff resources
Basic Scope
The IFPS PLU scheme applies to loose produce, with the following qualifiers:
- Produce is defined as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, herbs, and nuts.
- Most sealed, containerized or packaged produce falls outside of the scope of the IFPS PLU scheme as they use a barcode which is identified with a GTIN. There are some exceptions such as the example of grapes which are often packaged in a plastic bag with the IFPS PLU code clearly indicated on the bag. (The item is still sold as a variable weight item.) IFPS PLU Codes User’s Guide – September 2016 Page 7
- Excluded from the scheme is produce that has been additionally processed (e.g. stuffed vegetables, juices, purées, portioned product, etc). The main criteria for deciding exclusions are:
- additional foods, other than produce, are added to the basic item of loose produce.
- additional processes require techniques other than minimal cutting to create the finished food product. This is because, in some countries, such processes are treated differently for food hygiene and labeling regulation compliance.
- the IFPS needs to agree, on a case-by-case basis, on the amount of processing that is done in order to assign an IFPS PLU code (versus preparation).
- grade, quality or regional variation shall not be an attribute which justifies a different IFPS PLU code.
- geographic identification of growing region shall not be a justification for a global IFPS PLU.
- produce that is identified by a trademark is not eligible for a unique IFPS PLU number.
 Range of IFPS PLU Codes
The block of codes allocated for global use need not be in a contiguous block. The numbers range in the 3000, 4000 and 83000 and 84000 series
Conventionally Grown Identification
The 3000 or 4000 series number signifies that the item is conventionally grown, i.e. 3000-4999. In the future, an additional range of numbers will be used, 83000-83999, for conventionally grown items.
Organic Identification
The prefix ‘9’ combined with a 3000 or 4000 series number signifies that the item is organic. i.e. 93000 – 94999. In the future, an additional range of numbers will be used, 84000-84999, for organically grown items.
Retailer Assigned Codes
Blocks of numbers have been left unassigned and are designated for use/assignment by individual retailers. These codes allow the retail introduction of new products which do not meet the criteria for assignment of a global code. The assignment and management of these codes is left entirely to the discretion of individual retailers and it is strongly recommended that suppliers using these codes ensure coordination in the event of more than one retail customer selling their new product
Using the IFPS PLU code
It is important to follow this guideline:
- Don’t use an IFPS PLU on any bagged product always sold at that weight and not weighed in the store for pricing. You may use an IFPS PLU with a corresponding barcode (EAN-13, UPC) if the product can be sold either “by the each/per unit” or weighed for pricing.
- It is incorrect to use both a barcode and IFPS PLU code(s) together on an item that can only be sold in a fixed weight form, such as a 1-pound bag of carrots. That bag of carrots is never sold in variable weight form: the cashier would never weigh it on the scale and determine its price based on a price per pound/kg. It is always sold just as is: a 1-pound bag of carrots and should carry the appropriate barcode.
- Some retailers have indicated their preference for a barcode whenever possible on variable weight produce. This may vary from retailer to retailer and should be considered when preparing to code for the product. IFPS PLU Application – September 2016 15.
Benefits of Using IFPS PLU Standard Codes
 Retailers who use standard codes report that these:
- Improve scan data and pricing integrity · Enhance sales and profitability
- Reduce labour and supply costs because clerks no longer need to label items in the store
- Provide the building blocks for effective category management in the produce department
Shippers who use the standard codes report that these PLU codes:
- Help variety sales and pricing by removing inefficient practices of cost averaging similar looking items at retail
- Make compiled sales data more accessible from retailers and services which compile retail sales data
- Make retailers more willing to carry additional varieties and recognize premium varieties or sizes
- Do require a significant conversion cost in packing line machinery because labelling must be done after sizing, not before
Kailasha Foundation – Bringing Solutions To You
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn for regular updates.