3663 First for Foodservice and Country Range Group have risen to this challenge by using the GS1 UK Data Pool to provide quality assured and validated product information to its customers.

 

It is critical that caterers and their food suppliers are provided with complete and accurate food product information.

 

For example, people with food allergies, particularly nut allergies, have to be extremely careful about what they eat. The consequences of eating food they are allergic to could prove serious or even fatal.

 

The foodservice sector is keen to provide its customers with complete and accurate information, including allergy, dietary and nutritional properties. By using the GS1 UK Data Pool, food service providers will be able to obtain allergen, dietary and nutritional information from suppliers quickly and accurately, in a standard way and from a single auditable source, which can then be passed on to customers.

 

Their customers will then be able to make informed buying decisions based upon vital information, such as whether the food product contains nuts.

 

Martin Grant, Product Management Manager at 3663 explained why using GS1 UK Data Pool has proved successful for them: "As a major supplier to caterers servicing the public sector such as schools and hospitals, it is crucial that we are able to supply our customers with the vital health and nutritional product information they need. We have taken this approach because we appreciate the importance of standardised data and working collaboratively with our suppliers and other leading companies to ensure that we have up to date and accurate product information. We use the GS1 UK Data Pool so that we can verify and exchange data with our suppliers quickly and effectively."

 

Colin Birchall, MD, Country Range Group said: "With 16 independent food wholesalers operating out of over 20 depots, the challenge is potentially greater to ensure that the Country Range group has access to consistent data in order to provide our customers with accurate product information. We recently signed up to the GS1 UK Data Pool to improve our data quality and are currently working with GS1 UK to get our suppliers on board so that we can pass on the benefits to our customers by providing them with vital information to cater to their specific needs as well as to comply with increasing legislation."

 

The foodservice industry has recognised the importance of quality data in their businesses.

 

Companies are looking to GS1 UK to improve the flow of accurate product information to meet customer requirements and to comply with legislation and industry standards.

 

High profile healthy eating campaigns such as 'Jamie Oliver's School Dinners' has increased consumer awareness of ingredients and food sourcing, driving consumer demand for more product information.

 

Gary Lynch, Chief Executive of GS1 UK said: "GS1 UK is already working with leading companies within the foodservice sector to improve their product information. We can see that the sector is working hard to ensure that their customers receive accurate and vital product information. With our knowledge and expertise, we will continue to support them through this process."