Price look-up code

PLU stickers with the number 4130 identifying them as Large Cripps Pink apples
PLU code 4033 are for regular small lemon sold in the U.S.

Price look-up codes, commonly called PLU codes, PLU numbers, PLUs, produce codes, or produce labels, are a system of numbers that uniquely identify bulk produce sold in grocery stores and supermarkets. The codes have been in use since 1990, and over 1400 have been assigned.[1] The codes are administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), a global coalition of fruit and vegetable associations that was formed in 2001 to introduce PLU numbers globally.[2]

Produce labeled with PLU codes eliminates the need for grocery store checkers and customers to visually identify different varieties, which can make check-out and inventory control easier, faster, and more accurate – something that is important when varieties of produce look similar but have different prices, such as organic and conventional (non-organic) varieties.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference PLU FAQ was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "About IFPS: Who Are We?". IFPS. Archived from the original on 10 March 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2015. IFPS is composed of national produce associations from around the globe.