Introducing SmartFacts®
14 May 2025
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council (NZFGC) and the global leaders in barcode standards GS1 Australia and GS1 New Zealand have joined forces to roll out SmartFacts®; a groundbreaking new initiative designed to harmonise digital labeling across on-shelf products in Australia.
With a simple smartphone scan, SmartFacts® will provide consumers with instant access to digital standardised product information including nutritional details, allergens, and company information; eliminating confusion and helping 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 says: “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 says: “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.”
SmartFacts® will start rolling out across select FMCG products from the second half of 2025.
For all Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) media enquiries, please contact Zandi Shabalala Zandi.Shabalala@afgc.org.au | 0430 051 575.
For all GS1 Australia and GS1 New Zealand media enquiries, please contact: Alice Dodge – Alice@TheCommsSuite.com | 0413 030 780.
About the Australian Food and Grocery Council
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) is the leading voice for Australia’s food, beverage, and grocery manufacturing industry, representing businesses that supply the essential products Australians rely on every day. As a key advocate for the sector, the AFGC works to promote sustainable growth, drive innovation, and support a competitive and thriving industry that contributes to the nation’s economy and wellbeing. Through engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders, the AFGC champions policies and initiatives that ensure a resilient, responsible, and future-focused food and grocery supply chain. For more information, visit their website.
About GS1 Australia and New Zealand
GS1 Australia and GS1 New Zealand are the respective national providers of global standards for businesses seeking effi cient, transparent, and secure supply chain solutions. As members of the worldwide GS1 network, they support organisations across industries – including retail, healthcare, and logistics by delivering innovative identifi cation, barcode, and data-sharing technologies. With a focus on digital transformation and industry collaboration, GS1 helps businesses improve their traceability, operational efficiency, and customer trust. For more information, visit GS1 Australia’s website or GS1 New Zealand’s website.
About the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council
The New Zealand Food & Grocery Council (NZFGC) represents the manufacturers and suppliers behind New Zealand’s food, beverage, and grocery brands. The sector generates more than $40 billion sales in domestic retail, food and beverage and makes representations to the Government, retailers and other relevant organisations on matters that affect the industry, and liaises with government departments on food legislation, trade practices, and environmental issues, working where needed with a range of stakeholders, including from the fast-moving consumer goods industry and NGOs. For more information, visit their website.
