Grocery Groups Take on Bogus Coupons

The Grocery Manufacturers Association is backing the establishment of a new reason code to deter the use of counterfeit coupons.

 As a tool to track, manage and prevent the use of counterfeit coupons, the Association of Coupon Professionals has proposed a new reason code to identify counterfeit coupons. Starting April 1, 2011, manufacturers will use reason code 36 to notify retailers when payment is being denied on coupons that have been identified as counterfeit.

The Joint Industry Coupon Committee endorses the use of reason code 36, explaining that it is imperative for all parties involved in the couponing process to take action against counterfeit coupons and coupon fraud. Reason codes have long been used by manufacturers to notify retailers that coupons submitted by the retailer have been denied payment for a variety of reasons.

JICC works to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the development, distribution and redemption of coupons. It is composed of individuals from retailers and manufacturers who oversee coupon programs, and includes representatives from the Grocery Manufacturers Association, GS1 US, the Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association and National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

Based in Washington, D.C., GMA represents more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies.