How to get a numeric code?

Enterprising entrepreneurs or breeders often established a new variety of vegetable or fruit, which has been tested and verified as safe for consumption. If they wish to market their newly established produce they may want to register the product and get a PLU code for the purpose of channeled marketing.

To obtain a PLU, the product must fulfill a few criteria. The product will have to be sold in unprocessed form in a retail market and it will be priced by its weight. Cut fruits or vegetables, or peeled or a mixed fruit platter will not be considered for a PLU code.  A detail regarding the produce variety needs to be furnished and this is important, since the market prices are fixed based on the uniqueness and the USP (unique-selling-point) of the produce. Also the PLU will be different for the same produce if it has a different size variation or a color variation. The countries where this produce is intended to be sold will have to be mentioned; to get a PLU the product must be marketed in more than one country. All applications that are received for a PLU are reviewed at national and international level before making its way to the IFPS board for finalization. The IFPS will post the application on its website to receive valuable comments from the corporate or industrial sector. PLU is usually not granted to a produce which is not available at the global produce market or a produce that may be available from multiple growers. Also for a PLU application, the applicant must have a letter from at least three to four different retail organizations, each of which has at least 25 chains of retail stores under its flagship, who agree to utilize the PLU in their retail operations.

The process fee charged is $250 for each new application considered by the IFPS, and this amount is non-refundable. Entrepreneurs, who have already been granted PLU codes, report that the entire process of getting a PLU code is fast, smooth and easy. Once an application is accepted, the applicant will receive a member-kit along with the code. Each PLU can be printed and attached to the produce so that it is easily scanned at the register. PLU is a good way to keep a track on your produce and have a market analytics done on the business generated by a product.