LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Frieda’s Specialty Produce plans to use quick response (QR) codes on in-store signage so that shoppers can access additional product information using their smart phones. To promote this program, Frieda’s staff will be wearing t-shirts adorned with the company’s QR codes at the upcoming PMA Fresh Summit in Orlando.
“Educating consumers about specialty produce is key, and this latest mobile marketing technology makes it easier to further engage shoppers at the point of sale,” said Karen Caplan, Frieda’s president and CEO.
QR Codes are two-dimensional barcodes readable by QR scanners and mobile phones with a camera reader app. When a smart phone user photographs the code, a website or text instantly appears on the phone. The technology was originally developed in the Japanese automobile industry to track auto parts, but today, QR codes are being used all over the globe.
Frieda’s plans to implement QR codes on point-of-sale signs in the produce department to deliver additional product and or promotional information to shoppers. For example, a shopper might be intrigued by a display of fresh fennel and notice the QR code on the display sign. When they scan the code, their smart phone will instantly load a Frieda’s webpage about fennel, offering usage information, recipes and nutritional data.
“This technology will make our vast resource of specialty produce information more available to consumers and create more brand awareness,” Caplan said.
On the business side, Frieda’s is exploring how QR technology can augment its retail partnerships by assisting with promotions and further supporting products at retail. In addition, QR coding has many potential applications for operations, including tracking products and transportation.
Source: Frieda's Inc.