As many food and drink producers showcase their products during British Food Fortnight (20th September to 2nd October) AA Labels is highlighting the importance of labelling and retail packaging to this sector of the retail market.
Research from OnePoll in 2021 found that 73% of Brits are often specifically looking for British food when shopping. This means it is increasingly harder for producers, and especially smaller businesses, to stand out, and ultimately for their products to be bought by consumers.
AA Labels is therefore urging British food businesses to stay ahead of the competition by thinking carefully how they brand and label their food packaging, whether they are using printed labels on a roll or other label types. But with many smaller businesses generally having tight budgets and reduced resources to design and create artwork, this element of marketing is often not invested in.
But the perception that labelling and the printing of artwork on retail packaging is one of the biggest expenditures in food marketing is often incorrect. Small businesses are championed by AA Labels, who support a range of food producers, creating and giving advice on how designs can be altered honing designs for a relatively small financial investment that can pay dividends.
Strong and recognisable branding is key to effective labelling, so the AA Labels production team speak directly customers, including British food and drink producers to help them create the right labelling, often using roll labels, for their products.
From small bespoke production runs to larger industrial carton printing, AA Labels has the capability to flex according to each producer’s needs, but at a competitive and often low cost.
AA Labels also meets the requirements demanded by the UK’s strict food packaging safety laws, with most of its mainstream label materials and adhesives approved for use with foodstuffs. It is also worth noting that because AA Labels do not produce labelling or packaging for edible content that is not wrapped (e.g. fresh sandwich boxes), it is not required to have a sterile area within the production space.
Food Safe Labelling
Label face-stocks generally comply with the RoHS guidelines on Electric & Electronic Equipment, the safety European directive 2009/48/CE, contact with foodstuff (BfR XXXVI) and the Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/CE.
Its water based, acrylic emulsion adhesives comply with the European food directives and legislation FDA 21; CFR 175, 105 and the German recommendations XIV as published by BfR (Bundesinstitut fur Risikobewertung) the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. Both of which state that the adhesive can be used in direct contact with dry, moist and non-fatty foodstuffs. However according to the USA FDA regulations, the adhesive must be separated from the foodstuffs by a functional barrier. Also, EN 71-3 and EN 71-9 for Toy Safety and the Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/CE.
The release liners (label backing papers) also comply with the RoHS guidelines on Electric & Electronic Equipment, the safety European directive 2009/48/CE. Contact with foodstuff (BfR XXXVI). The Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/CE and EN 71-3 and EN 71-9 for Toy Safety.
Supporting smaller businesses
AA Labels has long championed smaller businesses and has been in the fortunate position to see many of them grow from table-top enterprises into serious competition for high street names. What can start off as one small order for stick-on labels, can quickly move into large scale production with new lines and designs, with the AA Labels team offering the same level of personal service, from advice on artwork modifications to branding, whatever the size of order.
Some of the producers it has supported in the last 12 months with its printed labels on a roll service include:
Husk & Honey – award winning cereals from London
Cornish Chillies – The finest chill jams and products from Cornwall
Banquist – curated food subscription based in London
Tiger & Float – dairy free mil drinks from the heart of Bristol
Weston Biltong Company – Traditional South African Biltong made in Britain
Hot Scotch – home grown chutney and jams – with a dash of Indian spice
The Cosy Chocolate Company – delicious home-made chocolate flakes and accessories from the Cotswolds
Visit aalabels.com/printed-labels/ for more information on its label design service and for an instant quote.
