Fruit and Vegetable Stickers: What PLU Codes Tell Us About Our Produce

For label manufacturers in Canada, produce growers, and consumers, PLU codes aren’t just tiny stickers on your apples and avocados—they play a critical role in food labelling by communicating essential information while maintaining efficient operations for retailers. But what do these little labels tell us, and how can they be used to benefit your business and the end user? In this article, we will dig into PLU code meaning, what the numbers represent, and even what those little stickers are made of. 

PLU stands for ‘Price Look-Up’. PLU codes are numeric identifiers on small stickers attached to fresh fruits and vegetables. Their primary role is to streamline retailers’ pricing, inventory, and sales processes. Each code links to a database that identifies the item’s type, variety, and price. For producers, using the correct PLU codes ensures that their products are correctly identified and priced, minimizing errors and building trust with retailers.  

The PLU code system was introduced in 1990 and is regulated by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). These codes are globally standardized, meaning the same fruit or vegetable will have the same PLU code no matter where it’s sold. This consistency simplifies global supply chain management and ensures your products are recognizable to retailers and consumers, helping build your brand’s reliability.  

For businesses considering their own label production, PLU codes can be more than just identifiers—they can also serve as a marketing tool. Customizing labels with branded elements can make your produce stand out, whether with conventional or organic goods.

Agriculture labels, including PLU produce codes, go beyond pricing and inventory management. They inform consumers about how the produce is grown. For example, certain PLU codes indicate whether an item is organic or conventionally grown. When a four-digit code is used, it represents conventionally grown produce, whereas a five-digit code starting with a “9” signifies organic produce. For example, a conventionally grown apple may be labelled 4012, while an organic apple would be labelled 94012. This distinction is critical for producers aiming to differentiate their products in a crowded marketplace.  

Implementing these agriculture labels is voluntary in Canada, but they are widely used in grocery chains for better inventory control and customer information. For producers, applying these codes supports traceability and helps communicate your growing practices directly to the consumer.  

In Quebec, however, any additional information provided on labels must comply with bilingual labelling laws, requiring translations into both English and French. Understanding these regulations is essential to avoid mislabelling and potential fines when selling your products in the province.

As a producer, it’s important to understand what the numbers on fruits and vegetables mean to ensure your labels accurately represent your produce. The numbers on PLU codes can help distinguish between conventionally grown, organic, or genetically modified produce.  

1. Conventional Produce: This is identified by a four-digit PLU code, which may indicate the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. For instance, code 4011 is used for conventionally grown bananas.

1. Organic Produce: Uses a five-digit code starting with “9”. Organic bananas, for example, are labelled 94011, signifying they were grown without synthetic chemicals. Highlighting this on your labels can attract health-conscious consumers.

1. GMO Produce: PLU codes starting with an “8” were initially reserved for genetically modified produce. However, these codes are rarely seen today due to changes in labelling practices.

Understanding these produce codes allows producers to provide consumers with transparency and aligns with trends favouring organic and sustainably grown produce.

Fruit and vegetable stickers are designed to stick to produce without causing damage or contamination. They are typically made from paper or vinyl, using food-safe inks and adhesives. The glue used is FDA-approved, ensuring it is safe if accidentally ingested.  

Are the Stickers on Fruits and Vegetables Edible?  

No, the stickers on fruits and vegetables are not edible. While the adhesive is non-toxic and safe if consumed in small amounts, the stickers are not digestible. Producers should ensure their labels are easy to remove to maintain consumer satisfaction. As technology advances, the industry is moving toward creating compostable and biodegradable stickers. Still, for now, the best practice is to advise consumers to peel them off and dispose of them properly.

PLU codes on produce aren’t just for quick checkout—they are a powerful tool for producers to communicate product details and market their goods. If you’re considering creating your own PLU code, the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) manages the assignment of official PLU codes. Products must meet specific criteria, such as being a unique variety and available from multiple marketers.  

Retailers have more flexibility with retailer-assigned PLU codes, which can be used temporarily for products that don’t yet have an official PLU. For more information, consult the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) for guidance on navigating PLU code applications and compliance.  

At Multi-Action, we make the entire process easy! Whether you need labels produced for you or want the equipment to print and apply your own in-house, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for customized solutions to turn your PLU labels into a marketing tool that sets your products apart.

Understanding PLU codes can help producers communicate effectively with consumers and differentiate their products in the marketplace. These small yet significant agriculture labels provide a wealth of information, from whether a fruit is organic to how it was grown.  

While PLU codes aren’t mandatory in Canada, they are vital for maintaining transparency and traceability. So, the next time you consider labelling your produce, remember that these codes are more than just a price tag—they’re your gateway to building trust and quality assurance with consumers, helping your brand stand out!