Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Should case barcodes be the same as bottle barcodes, or should they be unique?
Case barcodes should be **completely different from bottle barcodes**. Members consistently recommend using unique codes because cases and bottles are different stock-keeping units (SKUs). This becomes critical if you move into wholesale accounts like Booker or Costco that sell full cases alongside individual bottles—using the same barcode could result in customers being charged a bottle price for a full case, creating serious errors in point-of-sale systems. For any barcode queries or registration, members recommend **contacting GS1 directly** for guidance on proper barcode assignment.
Should UK spirits producers use UPC 12-digit or EAN 13-digit codes for US distribution?
Both UPC 12-digit and EAN 13-digit codes can work for US distribution, though some control states may prefer UPC codes. **Key findings from members:** - **EAN 13 codes** are acceptable for US distribution. Members have successfully used EAN 13 codes for both US and Canadian launches, and GS1 confirmed there has been no requirement to change from EAN 13 to UPC since 2005. - **UPC 12-digit codes** are used by some members and may be preferred by certain importers and control states. One member noted that some control states can be "fussy about reading EAN 13 digit codes," making UPC 12 the safer choice in those jurisdictions. However, this member also reported that the need to print custom labels anyway (for importer/distributor branding) meant the barcode format wasn't a practical problem. - The decision may depend on your importer and distribution network; check with your specific US importer or distributor about their regional requirements, particularly if entering control states. **Related recommendation:** For label printing, members recommend **Reflex Labels** (contact Sara Lane, +44 7736 925860 or saral@reflexlabelplus.co.uk) for short-run, quick-turnaround labels including specialty finishes like gold foiling.
How should I acquire and implement barcodes for new product lines?
Barcodes should be obtained through official channels to ensure uniqueness and avoid conflicts with other products globally. Members recommend the following approach: - **GS1 UK** — The official recommended route. GS1 membership ensures your barcodes are registered globally and prevents accidental duplication of codes by other companies anywhere in the world. Their site also provides guidance on barcode implementation. - **Barcoding.co.uk** — Members have used this supplier for barcode labels and stickers that can be incorporated directly into your label design. The key principle is straightforward: ensure each product line has a different barcode, and integrate the barcode into your label design during production. GS1 registration adds a layer of protection and professional legitimacy, particularly if you plan to scale or export.
What's the correct way to generate barcodes for drinks products?
Members strongly recommend using **GS1** for barcode generation, particularly if you plan to sell through major retail channels like Amazon. **Why GS1 matters:** - GS1 barcodes are internationally recognised and provide a dedicated company prefix for all your products - This is essential for Amazon Brand Registry and prevents rejection issues - Non-GS1 barcodes (including reconditioned/resold codes from other sources) have been rejected by Amazon and other retailers **Alternative option:** - **buybarcodes.co.uk** was mentioned as another source, though members noted problems with non-GS1 codes from similar sites leading to retailer rejections **Key warning:** Several members reported that buying cheaper barcodes from non-GS1 sources resulted in Amazon rejections. Investing in a proper GS1 account upfront prevents costly listing issues later.
Is a barcode required for 5L bag-in-box packaging?
A barcode is not a legal requirement for bag-in-box packaging, but members strongly recommend including one to avoid costly problems down the line. **Key points:** - **Not legally mandatory** — but treat it as essential in practice - **Required for retail placement** — supermarkets and multiple retailers will not stock products without barcodes; independent retailers may accept them - **Print before you need it** — members shared a cautionary tale of a major brand (Beavertown) receiving their first supermarket order only to discover thousands of cans had no barcodes. They spent a week reprinting and hand-sticking labels on every unit before delivery could proceed - **Cheap insurance** — the cost of adding a barcode upfront is negligible compared to the expense of reprinting labels and re-sticking stock if a retail opportunity suddenly appears - **Consider sticker option** — if barcode space or label design is tight, a barcode sticker can be applied later, but only as a last resort **Caveats:** Members emphasised that redundant stock and emergency reprints are not only costly but also risk missing delivery windows and losing orders. Print barcodes from the start.
Are barcodes required on 50ml miniature bottles?
Barcodes are only required if the miniatures are being sold. If they are being used for hand-outs, samples, or promotional purposes, a barcode is not necessary.
What is the difference between a GTIN and an MPN number, and which do you need for Google Shopping listings?
A **GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)** is your product barcode, typically obtained from GS1. It usually appears as a GTIN-13, which is also known as an EAN. This is the primary identifier needed for Google Shopping listings. An **MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)** is a separate identifier assigned by the manufacturer, but it is not typically required for Google Shopping in the same way a GTIN is. Members recommend: - Source your GTIN through **GS1** — the standard route for obtaining official barcodes that work with Google Shopping - If you're struggling with the process, reach out to experienced members in the community who have offered to walk others through the steps For grouped product listings (e.g. multiple flavours from a single SKU), ensure each variant has its own GTIN.
What are the barcode margin requirements for outer case scanning at major retailers like Booker?
Members have reported that outer case barcodes (ITF-14 format) can fail to scan at Booker due to insufficient margin space around the barcode. - **Booker scanning requirements** — One member experienced barcode scan failures at Booker, despite the same barcodes scanning successfully at Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Ocado. The issue was identified as the margin size around the ITF-14 barcode being too small relative to the barcode itself. The barcode must sit within a clear box with adequate margin space around it for reliable scanning. **Caveat:** The discussion doesn't provide the exact margin specifications (e.g., mm measurements) that Booker requires. Members should contact Booker directly or their account manager to confirm precise margin dimensions before printing outer case labels, as this appears to be a common issue that can prevent stock from being scanned into their system.