Unlocking the PLU Code

According to Cooking Light (October issue), the Product Look Up (PLU) code on non-organic fruits and vegetables consists of four digits. Organic produce bears a five-digit code starting with 9. Genetically modified produce bears a five-digit code starting with 8. So take a closer look next time you're in the supermarket.

As a marketer, I believe consumers should be informed about how to decode these ubiquitous numbers. Of course, I also believe in open dating (so buyers can quickly determine when a product expires, for example) but apparently many manufacturers and retailers think otherwise. What do you think?

More Products Get Personal!

Sure, Jones Soda and Heinz both sell their products in personalized bottles (see http://myjones.com and http://myheinz.com). You can also order customized M&Ms (at http://mymms.com).

But did you know you can put your favorite photo on a box of Wheaties? Check it out (at http://wheatiestrophy.com).

Want a bobblehead of someone near and dear? Now it's possible (at http://bobbleheadworld.com).

Or have a few letters or your logo stamped on Texas steak (at http://www.texasirons.com). What's next?

Ads in the Movies

From Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest to Talladega Nights, the movies I've seen in theaters during the past month have been accompanied by a full ration of ads (and previews, of course).

My current favorites are the animated Coca-Cola ad in which the young man dances around doing good deeds throughout his neighborhood ("You're gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do") and the Old Navy "Fash" ads. However, I'm not the target audience for either of these ads so I'm not sure whether they miss or make the mark. Any thoughts?