PLU and UPC Codes

Watermelon PLU´s include the following:
4031 - Red Seeded Watermelon
4032 - Red Seedless Watermelon
4347 - Fresh Cut/Half Watermelon *Stop and Shop
4340 - Yellow Seeded Watermelon
4341 - Yellow Seedless Watermelon
3281 - Orange Seedless Watermelon
4331 - Mickey Lee/Sugar Baby
3421 - Mini Seedless Watermelon

4342 to 4376 - This series of PLU codes is available for retailer assignment. They can be used to distinguish a specialty watermelon, a unique size or cut melons.

There are five UPC codes established so far for watermelon. All are for use with manufacturer #033383. This manufacturer number is a generic watermelon manufacturer number.
40240 - Red Flesh Seedless Watermelon
40241 - Orange Flesh Seedless Watermelon
40242 - Red Flesh Seeded Watermelon
40243 - Mini Seedless Watermelon
40247 - Mini seedless 2-count boxes

Should you be interested in applying for your own UPC code and manufacturer number, you may use the above UPC codes or you may choose your own.

The NWPB can apply for a new PLU or a new UPC directly through the Produce Marketing Association. Information is available on their website at this link: PMA Product Identification

GS1 Label Information - New 2010

As more retailers are setting labeling standards to ensure food safety through traceability, you may be interested in applying for your own GS1 barcode for your watermelon labels. Note: this is not a federal requirement.

GS1 BarCodes are certainly the most well-known and universally recognizable part of the GS1 system of standards. Ever since they were invented over thirty years ago, GS1 has been building and managing bar code standards that enable businesses and organisations around the world to automatically identify products, pallets and places. GS1 BarCodes enable businesses to manage the supply chain more efficiently and also enable businesses to respond to the challenges of a globalised supply chain by increasing their efficiency and maximizing profitability. Read more about "What is GS-1?" here (PDF).

Thinking about a unique GS1 label for your company's products? Check out these online resources below (clicking links on this page will take you outside of watermelon.org).

• Do you need a UPC bar code? http://www.gs1-us.info/?gclid=CJ--3Kec85kCFRufnAodzTQ_SA
• Loftware Blog that focuses on GS1 and labeling: http://loftwareblog.com/
• Shipping Labels and other info: http://www.gs1-128.info/gs1-128label.html
• Stay current with retailer requirements at Trading Partner Information Exchange: http://www.tradingpartner.info/tpie/