The Universal Product Code (UPC) has powered retail for 50 years, but it was never designed to handle the data demands of today's complex supply chains and consumer expectations.

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl sit down with Ned Mears, Senior Director of Global Standards at GS1 US, to explore how 2D barcodes will revolutionize the retail landscape, starting with Sunrise 2027. Ned explains how 2D barcodes go beyond simple price lookups, enabling enhanced traceability, connected packaging, and compliance with future regulations. He also offers practical advice on barcode placement, point-of-sale readiness, and why delaying action increases risk.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How 2D barcodes change what's possible at checkout and across the supply chain

• What brands and retailers need to do now to prepare for Sunrise 2027

• How early planning reduces risk, cost, and operational disruption

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain
(04:01) How 2D barcodes differ from traditional UPCs
(07:41) Measuring industry progress toward Sunrise 2027
(12:46) How brands can prepare to implement 2D barcodes
(19:22) What retailers need to assess to be ready for 2D at the point of sale
(21:26) The risks of waiting until 2027 before preparing for 2D barcodes
(27:00) Ned's favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn

Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest:
Ned Mears on LinkedIn

A hot sauce brand doesn't scale on taste alone. It scales on consistency, traceability, and trust.

Matt Pittaluga, Co-Founder of Hank Sauce, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl to share how a college project became a product sold in more than 5,000 stores. He breaks down the early hustle, the jump into retail, and what it takes to keep quality tight as demand grows.

You'll also hear how Hank Sauce approaches traceability through product codes to track ingredients from batch creation to store shelves.

This episode is a replay of our conversation with Matt, brought back for anyone building, scaling, or supplying food brands.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Hank Sauce scaled its distribution to national retailers

• The importance of traceability in ensuring food safety and product quality

• Strategies for building networks to expand brand reach

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain

(01:34) The Hank Sauce story

(06:38) Grassroots marketing and early sales strategies

(13:34) Scaling up distribution to large retailers

(16:38) The importance of traceability and food safety

(19:51) Building a brand with a limited marketing budget

(23:43) Advice for new entrepreneurs

(31:22) Matt Pittaluga's favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US:

Our website - www.gs1us.org

GS1 US on LinkedIn

Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guest:

Matt Pittaluga on LinkedIn

Check out Hank Sauce

In this episode, Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl sit down with Bob Czechowicz and Nick Latwis from the GS1 US Innovation Team. They discuss the most promising trends, the challenges businesses face when navigating new tech, and the critical role of pilots in testing the viability of these innovations. Gain actionable insights into how companies can successfully experiment with new technologies and drive meaningful change in their supply chains.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Key emerging technologies in supply chains

• How to use AI as a creative partner for innovation

• The indicators teams use to decide when a pilot is ready to scale
  
  

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain
(02:54) Emerging technologies in the next three to five years
(06:48) Using data to decide which trends matter
(16:00) How to design and conduct a pilot test
(19:52) Determining market readiness for new technology
(27:38) Nick & Bob's favorite tech

Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
GS1 US on LinkedIn

Register now for this year's GS1 Connect and get an early bird discount of 10% when you register by March 31 at connect.gs1us.org.

Connect with the guests:
Nick Latwis on LinkedIn
Bob Czechowicz on LinkedIn