July 16, 2025 Opinion piece
The UK’s food system is at a crossroads. The Government’s “Good Food Cycle” promises healthier diets, thriving businesses and sustainable supply chains.
But unless we fix the data that holds this system together, the plan risks remaining ambition without action.
We see this as a generational opportunity to rebuild the foundations of our food system. Data is the invisible infrastructure that drives smarter choices, fairer markets and sustainable growth. Without it, we cannot create food environments where the healthy and sustainable choice is the easy choice. We cannot cut waste or trace products from farm to fork with confidence. We cannot give consumers the transparency they are increasingly demanding.
The Food Data Transparency Partnership is an important step towards aligning government and industry behind this shared goal. But, to deliver on its potential, we must ensure the data that flows through the food system is accurate, interoperable and trusted. Trusted, interoperable data is not a nice-to-have. It is the only way to deliver on the plan’s ambition. Businesses need a common language for sharing information that works across borders, technologies and industries. Without it, supply chains will stay fragmented and progress will stall.
GS1 standards provide a tried and tested solution. They already power supply chains worldwide, helping businesses of every size improve traceability, remove friction and innovate at scale. Embedding these standards across the UK food system would enable real progress on key priorities, from reducing emissions to supporting SMEs and building resilience against shocks.
We are already seeing what is possible. The next-generation of barcodes, QR codes powered by GS1, are transforming the way consumers engage with food.
Chris Tyas OBE
With one scan, shoppers can access verified information on nutrition, allergens, provenance and sustainability. These codes are not just a glimpse of the future. They are being rolled out now, unlocking transparency and trust where it matters most.
The Government’s vision is bold, but delivery requires action. To succeed, we must move beyond legacy systems and silos and commit to a shared, open and future-ready data infrastructure. Anything less will leave us standing still while the rest of the world moves forward. At GS1 UK we are ready to lead this change.
By working with government, industry and civil society, we can build a food system that earns trust, drives innovation and delivers better outcomes for people, businesses and the planet.
