Which UK retailer introduced the "sell-by" date into its storerooms in the 1950s?
Answer
Marks & Spencer.
The actual genesis of consumer-facing food dating began quietly in the United Kingdom, predating widespread US adoption by decades. The retailer credited with pioneering this system is Marks & Spencer. This company initially integrated the humble "sell-by" date into its internal storerooms during the 1950s as part of their supply chain management. They subsequently progressed to placing these dates on the actual shelves by the year 1970, although the specific terminology of a "sell-by date" was not officially established until 1973.
Related Questions
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