How to Sell Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Using QR Codes

FMCG using QR codes is changing how brands attract and engage customers in crowded markets. These everyday products sell quickly at low prices, and despite strict handling rules, the industry is growing.

In 2022, NIQ’s Retail Measurement Services (RMS) reported a 6.3% global growth, encouraging businesses to improve their marketing.

Using QR codes is a simple and effective way to do this, and tools like an advanced QR code generator make it easy. Learn more below.

What are FMCG products?

FMCG stands for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, the items you pick up at each grocery store.

We’re referring to snacks, beverages, toothpaste, non-prescription medications, and home products—essentially, everything you abruptly realize you lack when you need them.

They’re termed “fast-moving” for a valid reason: they sell rapidly, get consumed quickly, and somehow always appear to require restocking.

These items are in such high demand that they keep retailers occupied and producers alert, guaranteeing we never encounter the nightmare of running short on coffee or toilet tissue.

Do QR codes work for marketing?

A QR code marketing strategy connects offline resources like product posters, packaging, and flyers to online content such as promotions, landing pages, or online stores.

QR codes are 2D barcodes you can scan with your phone camera or an app. Once scanned, they instantly direct users to links, videos, or other digital resources, making them convenient, especially for the FMCG market.

By integrating QR codes into their campaigns, businesses make it easier for customers to access deals and track campaign performance.

Companies can customize them with logos or brand colors using a reliable dynamic QR code generator to ensure they stand out and remain memorable.

Effective QR code marketing examples for FMCG

Here are effective examples of how FMCG companies employ QR codes to enhance their marketing efforts.

Product packaging

Product packaging is an excellent material to place QR codes, turning passive packaging into an interactive experience.

They can:

• Link to recipes for food items, enhancing product usability and appeal.
• Share the story behind your brand, highlighting your values or sustainability efforts.
• Display customer reviews or usage tips, helping shoppers make informed decisions.

Product information access

QR codes offer quick and direct access to detailed product information. They can be useful for:

• Linking consumers to ingredient lists, nutritional facts, and allergen details.
• Providing certifications, like organic or fair trade labels, to reinforce trust.
• Explaining the benefits and usage of the product, catering to informed buyers.

Product authenticity verification

Verifying product authenticity is crucial, particularly for high-end or health-associated FMCG items. QR codes can help:

• Confirm a product's authenticity by connecting to manufacturer databases.
• Protect against counterfeiting by allowing customers to check batch numbers or product origins.
• Build trust by ensuring customers that their purchases are genuine.

Supply chain management

QR code usage in inventory can make supply chain processes more efficient and transparent. Many companies use them to: 

• Track products from production to delivery, improving logistics.
• Deliver instant inventory updates to retailers and distributors.
• Improve recall processes by swiftly and precisely identifying impacted batches.

In-store promotions

Integrating QR codes into in-store promotions can transform the shopping experience. Stores selling FMCG can use them to:

• Offer instant discounts or incentives through QR codes shown on posters or shelf tags.
• Provide video tutorials or demos to showcase product features and benefits.
• Enable shoppers to access exclusive offers, driving impulse purchases.

Advertising campaigns

QR codes can connect conventional and digital marketing, enhancing your campaign's reach and effectiveness. Here’s how to do it:

• Incorporate scannable codes on billboards, printed advertisements, or flyers to boost traffic to websites or stores.
• Utilize them in television and social media advertisements to guide audiences to specific promotional websites.
• Develop gamified initiatives, like online treasure hunts, to enhance participation.

Loyalty programs and memberships

QR codes enhance the convenience and engagement of loyalty programs for customers. FMCG using QR codes can simplify customer engagement by offering convenient, tech-driven solutions.

By offering a QR code loyalty program, you:

• Allow customers to register for memberships easily.
• Enable point tracking and redemption by integrating QR codes into loyalty cards.
• Unlock special perks like early sale access or member-only discounts with a quick scan.

Event-based campaigns

QR codes are not strangers to events like product launches. Use QR codes during expos, fairs, or sponsorships to create a lasting impression. This can happen by:

• Directing attendees to live polls, interactive AR displays, or exclusive event content.
• Collecting attendee information by linking codes to sign-up forms for newsletters or offers.

Customer feedback and surveys

Gathering customer insights is now made easy using QR codes for customer satisfaction survey.  You can encourage customers to answer your surveys by:

• Placing QR codes on receipts or packaging to link to feedback forms or surveys, like McDonald’s.
• Incentivize participation with discounts or freebies, encouraging higher response rates.

Seasonal promotions

You can leverage QR codes for seasonal campaigns to enhance exclusivity and urgency. Here’s what you can do with QR codes:

• Link to limited-edition product announcements or holiday-themed content.
• Create countdowns to sales events, accessible through scannable QR codes.

Educational content

Educating consumers about your products is easy with QR codes. Here’s what you can do:

• Connect users to how-to videos, certifications, or ingredient explanations.
• Showcase sustainability efforts, helping environmentally conscious shoppers feel informed and confident.

How to create dynamic QR codes for FMCG marketing on the best free QR code generator

Creating a custom QR code is simple and exciting. Let’s dive into the easy steps.

1. Open the QR TIGER website. You can sign up for a freemium plan to create 3 dynamic QR codes for FREE.
2. Select a dynamic QR solution and enter your desired data.
3. Opt for a dynamic QR to make it editable and trackable, then click "Generate QR Code."
4. Customize your QR code, adjust colors, patterns, and eye shapes, and add a logo or call-to-action frame.
5. Test your QR code by scanning it on various devices, then “Download.”

Why FMCG using QR codes is a smart move

QR codes are transforming how FMCG brands connect with their audience. These codes offer practical and innovative ways to enhance customer interaction, improve supply chain efficiency, and build trust.

Here are the key benefits FMCG products can gain from integrating QR codes:

Better customer engagement

QR codes allow you to produce engaging experiences that connect with consumers.

For example, a straightforward scan can direct customers to promotional materials and enable contest entries or surveys, enhancing their bond with your brand and fostering greater involvement.

Collect invaluable data on consumers

QR codes are an effective tool for gathering valuable insights into consumer behavior. Each scan offers a chance to collect data such as preferences, location, and shopping habits.

This information can refine marketing strategies, enhance product offerings, and create more personalized experiences for your audience.

Finer marketing campaigns

QR codes make marketing campaigns more impactful and measurable. By linking codes to specific digital content, brands can increase engagement and track campaign performance.

This allows FMCG companies to assess what works, reallocate resources as needed, and achieve a better return on investment.

A cut-above brand image

Adopting QR codes showcases your commitment to innovation and convenience, appealing to contemporary and tech-oriented customers.

These codes highlight transparency, sustainability, and personalization, aiding in positioning your brand as innovative and focused on the customer.

This enhanced perception can greatly impact the ability to remain competitive and secure consumer loyalty.

Greater product transparency

Today's buyers desire greater insight into the items they acquire. QR codes can close this gap by offering immediate access to product origins, ingredient details, certifications, or sustainability efforts.

This openness fosters trust and improves your brand's standing in the marketplace.

Smoother shopping experiences

QR codes simplify shoppers' purchasing journey. By scanning these codes, customers can quickly navigate to online stores for convenient purchases, access digital coupons for savings, or locate nearby retailers carrying their products.

Stronger brand loyalty

Incorporating QR codes into loyalty programs offers chances to reward returning customers.

Customers can scan QR codes to gain points, access exclusive deals, or get news about your brand, strengthening their loyalty and maintaining their involvement.

FMCG using QR codes is a scalable approach to boosting transparency, customer trust, and campaign measurability.

Use cases: Successful FMCG QR code marketing strategy

Here are some updated examples of successful QR code campaigns:

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola used QR codes on its product labels to connect consumers to personalized messages or virtual interactions, such as custom songs or greetings.

This initiative led to millions of scans globally, enhancing customer engagement and reinforcing brand loyalty.

The effectiveness of this campaign can be credited to the personalization, which helped customers feel a stronger connection to the brand, transforming a basic scan into a notable experience.

Nestlé

Nestlé placed QR codes on the packaging of its coffee products, allowing customers to trace the origin of their coffee beans at the Zoégas factory in Helsingborg, Sweden.

It also provided information on fair trade practices and environmental sustainability efforts. This initiative increased trust among eco-conscious consumers and drove higher sales in targeted demographics, prioritizing transparency.

The campaign succeeded by responding to consumer demand for ethical sourcing and connecting the brand to sustainability principles.

Heinz

Heinz put QR codes on ketchup bottles that connected to "Heinz to Home," a service providing recipes for simple meals during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The campaign saw a surge in website traffic and recipe downloads, enhancing customer appreciation for the value beyond the product.

It was successful because it met consumer needs during a challenging time, making Heinz a practical and relevant part of their daily lives.

PepsiCo

PepsiCo introduced an AR game through Pepsi QR codes on snack packages. By scanning the codes, users could engage in an interactive game and vie for prizes.

This led to heightened involvement from younger demographics and improved sales for the snack products featured in the campaign.

The initiative's success can be attributed to the appeal of gamification, which generated excitement and engagement among a tech-oriented audience.

Unilever

Unilever added QR codes to its skincare products, linking customers to information about proper skin care routines, dermatologist recommendations, and tutorials.

This strategy increased consumer trust and brand authority in the skincare market and sales of targeted products.

By educating customers, Unilever enhanced the value of its products, strengthening its status as a reliable source in the beauty sector.

Lay’s

Lay’s integrated QR codes on its chip bags, directing customers to social media challenges and encouraging user-generated content like dance challenges or recipes using chips.

The campaign resulted in viral social media participation and a stronger connection with Gen Z and Millennials. It was effective because it encouraged consumers to share their experiences, amplifying the campaign's reach through organic user content.

Cadbury

Cadbury initiated a campaign where QR codes on its chocolate bars enabled users to find and support local small businesses.

This campaign generated significant goodwill toward the brand and enhanced loyalty among community-focused consumers.

It worked because it demonstrated social responsibility, resonating with customers’ desire to impact their communities positively.

These QR code marketing examples show how FMCG brands use this tool to engage customers, streamline processes, and boost sales.

Top recommended QR code solutions for FMCGs

QR codes offer a limitless platform for delivering comprehensive information, and this makes them helpful in promoting a product to a target market. 

Here are nine advanced QR code types and how you can use them for FMCGs:

URL QR code

FMCG companies can store their website or a link to a specific product landing page using a URL QR code solution.

With a quick scan, consumers can access valuable data like detailed product information, health benefits, brand values, and promotions.

This simple yet effective method targets consumers who are curious about the product and eager to learn more about your brand.

GS1 QR code

The GS1 digital link QR code brings traditional barcodes into the digital era, offering more than just product identification.

FMCG companies can use this solution to provide consumers with a wealth of product-related information, including expiration dates, batch details, and certification data.

When scanned, the code can direct consumers to tailored content such as usage instructions, promotional offers, or even product recall notices.

By integrating the GS1 digital link into their packaging, companies enhance transparency and strengthen customer trust.

This solution aligns with the increasing consumer demand for accessible, detailed, and accurate product information.

Landing page QR code

This advanced solution, also known as the HTML QR code, allows you to create your customized mobile landing page without coding skills, a website builder, or a domain.

You can add rich media like images, videos, and more to your page.

FMCG companies can use this to showcase their products and unique marketing promotions. This QR code is the best option if you’re up for eco-friendly marketing.

Instead of printing posters for your seasonal marketing, you can use this solution and update it anytime.

Smart URL QR code

If you’re an international brand targeting a geographically dispersed target market, a multi-URL QR code can be your new best option.

This advanced solution stores multiple links to different websites or landing pages in one QR code. Once scanned, the code takes scanners to a specific landing page according to the following:

• Device language
• Scanner location
• Scanning time
• Device operating system

This solution allows global companies to run campaigns for different nationalities, with different languages and cultures, enabling them to connect effectively with customers.

Small and local businesses can also use this advanced solution.

If you’re a cafe owner, you can provide your customers with a digital menu for different times of the day.

With a quick scan, they can access different menus (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) based on the time they scan the code.

File QR code

Using the file QR solution, you can store a document, an image, or a video in a QR code.

This can present numerous opportunities for companies to enhance customer experiences, streamline information dissemination, and drive sales.

Customers can quickly access digital files such as a product catalog and usage instructions by scanning the QR code printed on the packaging or marketing materials.

This eliminates the need for extensive printed materials while ensuring consumers have all the essential details.

Avoid cluttered marketing materials. Save space while still being able to provide complete information with this solution.

Link page QR code

FMCG companies can employ the link page QR code to maximize consumer engagement, boost audience reach, and establish a strong online presence.

This dynamic solution can embed multiple social media links and other URLs.

When scanned, it shows a mobile-optimized landing page with buttons for each embedded link.

Each button takes scanners to the corresponding social platform.

They can then interact and connect with your accounts in one place without going through each social website.

It can also track the number of clicks on each button.

This feature can help companies determine which social media platform to focus their promotions.

App store QR code

Most of the prominent players in the fast-moving consumer goods market have mobile apps.

Take Unilever, for instance. This global company offers a diverse range of apps on the Google Play Store, spanning productivity and personal development.

They strategically incorporate QR codes on product packaging, serving as a swift means to direct customers to their apps.

This creates a circular cycle of marketing.

The products themselves lead to app downloads, and the apps, in turn, enhance the appeal of the products, enticing customers to make repeat purchases.

This interplay between apps and products amplifies the brand’s message and cultivates a stronger connection with the consumer.

By integrating app store QR codes into the consumer experience, FMCG companies effectively merge their products and digital offerings, fostering brand loyalty and positioning themselves as comprehensive lifestyle solutions providers.

vCard QR code

FMCG companies can also use vCard QR codes to share contact information conveniently, efficiently, and accurately.

The vCard QR code is an advanced networking tool that stores various contact information, such as an email address, company website, contact numbers, etc. 

This solution provides a convenient and modern way to share contact details, expand your network, create a professional image, and ensure accurate information sharing.

Companies can also use this solution to improve customer support.

Consumers can scan the QR code to make a call or email using the details they can access in the code.

This technology streamlines their communication processes and strengthens their relationships with their customers.

Google Form QR code

This QR code solution leads to your survey or questionnaire on Google Forms.

You can let consumers leave reviews, comments, and suggestions about your products and services.

This way, companies can actively encourage customers to leave honest feedback.

They can use the responses constructively and improve the quality of their goods.

While this may benefit the company solely, it actually fosters a deeper connection with the audience, showing that their feedback matters.

When customers feel their voices are valued, they are more inclined to develop a preference for the company’s products or services over those that do not.

Want to create a form directly? Try TIGER FORM and generate a QR code form effortlessly.

Drive FMCG engagement with QR code innovation

Promoting and selling FMCG using QR codes is a smart way for brands to reach customers quickly and easily. Placing QR codes on packaging or displays lets shoppers instantly access product details, special deals, or customer surveys.

This makes shopping more convenient and helps build stronger connections with your audience. QR codes can drive more sales and encourage repeat purchases.

To make sure your codes work perfectly, use the best QR code generator to ensure you get codes that are reliable, easy to update, and fit your business needs.

FAQ

What are QR codes in the food industry?

QR codes are used in the food industry for digital menus, providing product information, ensuring traceability, sharing promotions, and collecting customer feedback.

How do retailers use QR codes?

Retailers use QR codes to share product details, enable contactless payments, manage loyalty programs, guide in-store navigation, and run marketing campaigns.

Does anyone use QR codes anymore?

Yes, QR codes remain widely used for contactless payments, mobile marketing, event access, and information sharing, with their applications growing.