AFGC and GS1 Australia join forces for digital labelling initiative

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council (NZFGC) and barcode standards specialists GS1 Australia and GS1 New Zealand have joined forces to roll out SmartFacts; a new initiative designed to harmonise digital labelling across on-shelf products in Australia.

With a simple smartphone scan, SmartFacts is designed to provide consumers with instant access to digital standardised product information including nutritional details, allergens and company information; eliminating confusion and helping to foster greater transparency and trust in brands.

For industry, there are other benefits:

• Enhanced consumer interaction: When digital product information is presented in a standardised GS1 QR code format, it becomes much easier for consumers to engage with. This consistency builds trust and provides consumer confidence, resulting in long-term brand loyalty.
• Regulatory advocacy: Showing regulators the benefits of digital labelling is key. By demonstrating how it streamlines compliance and enhances transparency, we can pave the way for a more efficient regulatory system — one that works better for both businesses and consumers.
• Consumer empowerment: The use of GS1 QR codes to access product information empowers consumers to easily find and understand the information available to them. This not only improves the shopping experience but also promotes informed decision-making.

AFGC CEO Colm Maguire said: “This is an innovative and practical leap forward. Not just for manufacturers who can now share rich, accurate information in real time — but for consumers who want fast facts at their fingertips. SmartFacts is a 21st century answer to 21st century consumer expectations. This initiative shows our sector is serious about meeting rising expectations for information, quality and transparency. It’s about building trust through transparency and showing consumers that Australian manufacturers are proud of what goes into products and how they are made.”

GS1 Australia CEO Maria Palazzolo said: “SmartFacts powered by GS1 barcode technology will transform purchasing decisions for shoppers and help them make informed choices with a simple smartphone scan. In a time where transparency is key, SmartFacts is set to redefine how Australians interact with food and grocery products.”

The initiative will start rolling out across select FMCG products from the second half of 2025.