thumb|A [[Fuji (apple)|Fuji and Honeycrisp apple with their PLU stickers visible.]]

Price look-up codes, commonly called PLU codes, PLU numbers, PLUs, produce codes, or produce labels, are a system of numbers that uniquely identify bulk produce sold in grocery stores and supermarkets. The codes have been in use since 1990, and over 1,400 have been assigned.

Produce labeled with PLU codes eliminates the need for grocery store checkers and customers to visually identify different varieties, which can make check-out and inventory control easier, faster, and more accurate, something that is important when varieties of produce look similar, but have different prices, such as organic and conventional (non-organic) varieties.

Uses

thumb|upright|PLU code 4033 are for regular small lemon sold in the U.S.PLU codes are used primarily in retail grocery stores or supermarkets, where they are keyed into point of sale systems by cashiers or by customers at self-checkout machines when the produce is being weighed or counted. The codes may be printed on small stickers, tags, or bands that are affixed to produce, or may be printed on signs. Since 2006, stickers with PLU codes may also have a GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional barcode.

Numbering conventions

Conventional produce is randomly assigned four-digit PLU codes in the 3000 and 4000 series. Organic produce may be designated by prefixing the four-digit conventional PLU with a 9. and Chiquita has marketed bananas with Minions stickers on them, along with a competition.

Collecting

Although the collecting of PLU labels as a hobby already existed for a while, it became widespread through social media presence and fashion designs that use fruit stickers. The popularity of the hobby was further increased by online catalogs and collector clubs.

In addition to illustrations, important factors for collectors are compositions of these stickers and the type of product they are used on. Most popular materials for creating PLU code stickers are plastic film and paper, however cardboard, metallized film, wrapping tissue, and textiles are also known to be used.

Environmental concerns

Although PLU labels are recognized globally and most chain supermarkets use them, they sometimes cause rejection of the fruits and vegetables to which they are attached from being accepted for composting disposal or disposal by cruise ships at sea. Generally, they are not made of biodegradable material.

See also

  • International Article Number
  • Packaging
  • Stock keeping unit (SKU) codes, another system
  • Universal Product Code, another system for identification of consumer products

References

  • The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) website
  • User Guides (international Price Look-Up numbering scheme)
  • A complete list of all currently assigned PLU numbers: PLU-codes Search
  • Online collection of PLU labels: Fruitsticker.de
  • PLU Lookup Utility: PLU Lookup