A HEXHAM businessman has teamed up with two graduates to create an app which could change the way people do their food shopping.

Peter Woods is the brainchild behind the code, which has been developed in collaboration with the University of Sunderland, and supported by funding through the GX project, a two-year business innovation programme part of the legacy from last year’s Great Exhibition of the North.

Label Says Ltd involves adding an edible printed ink code directly to food, allowing customers to scan the code with an app on their mobile phone.

The app then provides a full augmented reality experience, allowing customers to get all of the details they need about the product they are buying, without the need for packaging.

Sunderland graduates Daniel Almond and Dominic Hutchinson, alongside Associate Professor Derek Watson, who has a wide expertise in the food sector, have all helped Peter design and develop the application. Peter said: “The way we buy our food will drastically change in the coming years. Climate change, as well as the demand from customers, is driving supermarkets and other food providers to drastically reduce their packaging.

“The application we have developed enables customers to get the relevant information they need about nutrition, sourcing allergies and how to dispose of any waste, without the need for excessive packing. Ultimately it is better for the customer, the food supplier and our planet.”

Prof. Watson said: “The project hinged on two very talented students working in the area of augmented reality, and we were exceptionally lucky to have Daniel and Dominic who have proved themselves in the commercial arena.”

Label Says UK is in the process of being patented and Peter is in talks with a number of British food producers and retailers interested in the technology.