The concept, known as global data synchronisation (GDS) has been discussed over the past few years by the food industry. But the sticking point has always been the commitment of one or more major grocery retailers.
However, following trials last year, Sainsbury is now preparing to roll out the system. Tesco and Asda have been conducting trials, with a view to following suit, and Morrisons is considering implementing the scheme.
GDS improves the accuracy and simplicity of access to commercial information on food and drink products by offering manufacturers, retailers and distributors a single data stream. Processors can upload and change data on product orders in real-time: from quantity and price to ingredients and suppliers.
The system makes mistakes and inaccuracies inherent in paper-based ordering far less likely, cutting both time and cost.
Product information is uploaded to massive data pools, which are linked via GS1's GDS Network. Most supermarkets are using GS1 UK channels, although Tesco is drawing on wider data pools maintained by GS1 directly.
"All have signed a commitment to the GDS Network, although they are all proceeding at their own pace," said GS1 UK chief executive Gary Lynch. "The ball has been pushed down the hill and it's slowly rolling down. I don't see this being turned back now."
The news follows GS1 UK's announcement late last year that top foodservice and wholesale operators, including Makro, Brake Bros and Compass Group, had committed to GS1's system.
Lynch was reluctant to specify a precise deadline for full UK retailer involvement, but added: "I think we are planning to see beyond the pilots and the first toes in the water this year." He was speaking at a roundtable event on the food industry's use of mobile technology to convey product information in London.