Rollout

Woolworths NZ

Retailer, New Zealand. 1 public step towards 2D codes since Undated, latest step: Undated.

StageRollout

CodeGS1 DataMatrix

Date in the codeYes

What is codedFresh food

CountriesNew Zealand

TypeRetailer

Steps and sources

Undated
Rollout · New Zealand GS1 DataMatrix on all Woolworths-brand fresh meat in North Island stores; expired items blocked at the till, markdowns automated; wider fresh range next In the code: Batch, best-before, use-by, weight, web link Source ↗

Public sources only. Know a step that is missing or wrong? Send it with a link.

Supplying Woolworths NZ? Check whether your packs and line are ready for 2D codes (New Zealand): eight questions, the answer on screen.

2D readiness check →

Analysis

Ivan Kolgan · 12 Oct 2026

Woolworths New Zealand puts a GS1 DataMatrix on all own-brand fresh meat in North Island stores, prepared with the supplier Hilton Foods. The till reads the use-by date from the code, an expired pack cannot be sold, and markdowns are priced automatically. On the supplier's line every pack gets its own date and weight, printed and graded at line speed, often in a room kept a few degrees above zero.

Post and discussion on LinkedIn, 12 Oct 2026 ↗

What such a code looks like

GS1 DataMatrix

(01)09506000134352(15)270630(17)271231(3103)000755(10)AB1234

(01) 09506000134352: GTIN: product number
(10) AB1234: Batch or lot
(15) 270630: Best before date: 30 Jun 2027
(17) 271231: Expiry date: 31 Dec 2027
(3103) 000755: Net weight, kg: 0.755 kg

How this code is built →

Illustration: the type of code and the data named in the steps above, filled with GS1 example values. The real codes of the company contain its own numbers.

Also in New Zealand

Hilton Foods