1850 Coffee has partnered with Farmer Connect and IBM Blockchain Technology to allow coffee drinkers to trace their coffee back to its origin through a QR code located on select bags of its coffee.

In The Walt Disney Co.’s 2003 feature film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl,” lawless groups of sailors often remind each other to “keep to the code,” referring to the set of societal guidelines handed down by their pirate forefathers.

 Quick-response (QR) codes might be a key way for brands to attract or retain customers, according to a new ScanLife study.  

Healdsburg, Calif.-based Dry Creek Vineyard released its 2010 Fumé Blanc wine in newly designed bottles that incorporate QR code technology. Consumers with smartphones equipped with QR code readers can scan the image and be taken to a 2-minute video of the winery family discussing the new vintage. In addition to the QR code, the 2010 Fumé Blanc bottle features the image of a sailboat, which reflects the family’s passion for sailing.