This week, Tesco announces it is updating its popular grocery app to include a barcode reader that will enable customers to add items to their online shopping basket more quickly and simply than ever before.

The barcode scanner for the iPhone is a UK first for the supermarket industry. It is particularly targeted at busy parents and time-poor professionals who want to be able to add specific items to their online shopping basket at anytime, and avoid running the risk of forgetting to add them to the ‘traditional’ shopping list.

The barcode reader will be available to customers initially through the popular Tesco grocery app on iPhone. Whether a customer is using up the last tin of tomatoes in their kitchen, has tried a new cheesecake at a friend’s house that they want to buy, or has a child that has finished the last of their favourite yoghurt when out and about, all they need to do is scan the barcode with their phone. It’ll be added to their online basket with just one click and will wait there until they’re ready to checkout.

CEO of tesco.com Laura Wade-Gery comments: “We’re always looking for ways to make life easier for customers and for busy mums in particular. The barcode scanner will make online ordering much quicker for those that have an iPhone.  Customers can simply scan the barcode of grocery products stocked by Tesco whilst on the go and add them into their online shopping basket.

“This is the perfect solution for iPhone lovers that are always forgetting to add items to their shopping list or haven’t the time to even write one!”

The Tesco grocery app was launched two months ago and allows customers to ‘shop on the go’ by ordering groceries from their iPhone. The app has consistently featured in the Apple App Store’s Top free apps.

It was designed and developed by mobile development specialists Ribot, who worked closely with Tesco to create a unique but simple shopping experience for customers.

The app is available for free and users can download it directly from the Apple iTunes Store. Customers who have already downloaded the previous version of the Tesco grocery app will automatically receive a notification to update the app to enable the barcode scanning feature.

The updated Tesco grocery app allows customers to:

• Scan barcodes of grocery products stocked by Tesco, to search the online store and add them to an order
• Add/remove products from an existing order 
• Login to their grocery account
• Book a delivery slot
• Search for and add products
• Browse ‘Favourites’
• Browse for products by department, shelves, aisles etc.
• Display nutritional and storage info for products (not available for all products)
• Seamlessly integrate their mobile grocery shopping with the same order on a computer
• Checkout via their mobile or online

For further information, please visit: www.tesco.com/apps/iphone