Fresh Produce Labeling Equipment: What to Know Before You Buy
Whether you’re upgrading your facility, switching from manual labor to automation, or just looking to streamline operations, the right labeling system can save you time, reduce waste, and improve your brand presentation.
If you are a grower, packer, shipper, or distributor in the Fresh Produce business, now is a great time to consider upgrading your fruit labeling equipment with LABELPAC’s state-of the-art MOTOHEAD® Label Applicators, or for starters, consider using our Semi-Automatic HL-2 Lithium Cordless hand labelers. Not only will you improve costs and efficiency, as well as ease of use for your operators, but you’ll also have the option to use sustainable materials on all our labeling systems, and build a more responsible brand.
How do you know which Label Applicator is right for you?
1. What Is Fresh Produce Labeling Equipment?
This equipment is designed to apply PLU labels, or how some refer to as “stickers” to your fruits and vegetables as they move through your production line. These labels might show variety PLU numbers , branding, barcodes, QR codes, country-of-origin information, or real-time information which can be added using LABELPAC’s Print and Apply on Demand option.
Labeling systems are essential in produce operations for maintaining accuracy, consistency, and speed. With retail and export standards always evolving, you need current technology, reliable solutions, and expert support to keep up and stay compliant.
2. Know Your Options: Manual, Semi-Automatic, or Automatic High-Speed labeling
Not every business needs a high-speed label applicator. Start by assessing your situation, volume and workflow. There are 3 main types of produce labeling systems to choose from, which also are available in over 50 or more configurations to specifically suit your needs. LABELPAC will also provide you with our conveyor systems from V-Shape belt, to grommet roller conveyor systems to singulate and control your product flow prior to labeling.
Manual Applied labels: Where the label is applied by hand. This may be feasible when first starting but is a very slow process and could cost you more in labor time than using LABELPAC’s HL-2 Lithium Cordless hand labelers which will apply labels up to 6 times faster.
Semi-Automatic: LABELPAC’s HL-2 Lithium Semi-automatic hand labelers help speed things up by assisting workers in applying labels more quickly and consistently without contaminating the FDA adhesive which comes into direct contact with your fruit or vegetables. These are a great middle-ground for small to mid-sized farms or packing houses.
Automatic High-Speed: Produce labelers such as our MOTOHEAD® line of products, do most of the work without needing human input. They are ideal for high-speed, high-volume packing houses where consistency, speed, and efficiency are top priorities. If you’re dealing with a large amount of PLU labels, labeling large volumes of Fresh Produce per day, automation is likely your best bet.
3. Choose Between Print and Apply on Demand or Fully Pre-Print (Apply Only) label applications.
When it comes to how your labels are applied, there are two major methods.
Pre-Print systems: Use fully pre-printed labels from our factory. The user would need to pre-stock all varieties of labels required to label their fruit. These systems are typically used by growers who only use a small amount of label varieties needed to label and know how many labels they would use for that season.
Print and Apply on demand systems print variable information on generic labels in real-time, allowing for customization and flexibility from Item Level Traceability to Sequential labeling. This is especially useful if you run multiple variety of labels, or frequently change label designs, PLU varieties, or customer requirements.
Your choice depends on whether your operation needs speed, flexibility, or a balance of both. LABELPAC offers hybrid labeling solutions, for example having one labeler Print and Apply on Demand, while adding a Pre-Print applicator on the same line.
4. Speed, Throughput, and sticker rate remaining on your produce, can Make or Break Efficiency
Labeling speed is critical in keeping up with the rest of your production line. Depending on the size of your label, LABELPAC’s MOTOHEAD® label applicators label up to 720 fruit/minute which includes our Print and Apply on Demand labeling systems. Nearly 95% of all applications are lower than this range of speed which is comfortably handled using our systems.
When comparing systems, consider the number of labels per minute it can handle as well as the type of label materials used for your application. Also, make sure it’s compatible with your specific types of produce, including their size, shape, and surface texture. LABELPAC’s proprietary label materials and FDA certified Direct Food Contact adhesives work seamlessly with our patented Tamp & Hold technology. This ensures our labels conform to your product which offers the highest percentage rate of labels remaining on your fruit.
Some products such as Cantaloupe and Bell Peppers each present unique challenges in labeling. Selecting the incorrect sticker machine may result in labels being misapplied or missing. LABELPAC applicators offer a patented “Tamp and Hold” feature which wraps and secures the label onto odd or hard to label product making our systems the highest quality in hard to label fruit surfaces.
5. Integration and Compatibility Matter
All LABELPAC labeling systems work smoothly with any packing and sorting equipment. We offer hit-on-sight technology or Selective Labeling options which communicate with your Sizer’s computer system to only label fruit needing a label. Whether your produce is moving on a conveyor belt, being packed into trays, or passing through a grading system, your new MOTOHEAD® labeling machine will easily be integrated into your line ready to label.
Our modular designs are a big plus. MOTOHEAD® fruit labeling machines can be adjusted or upgraded later as your business grows. For example, we can upgrade your Pre-Print labeling systems to Print and Apply On-Demand using most of your existing system components. This flexibility will allow you to add real-time food trace back information, save you on label inventory costs, and use a generic label straight across the board for all fruit varieties.
All LABELPAC labeling systems, including our MOTOHEAD® Print and Apply Systems, are compatible with our biodegradable, compostable, or eco-friendly label materials , which are becoming more popular with consumers and retailers alike.
6. Simplicity is Key for Daily Use
Our label applicators are easy to operate and maintain without the need of a specialized service technician. Our label applicators use less components, and that means they are easy to maintain and more user-friendly for your operator, that’s why we are the preferred choice for fruit labeling solutions. Among many options, we offer touchscreen interface, wireless remote access to change over your label varieties (Print and Apply option), wireless connectivity from your IOS or Android devises, remote access for service if required, quick label changeover, and simple error alerts can make your team’s life much easier.
New System Training for your designated operator is quick and easy. Your operator will be able to change out most parts, troubleshoot issues and keep the system running without the need of a specialized service technician on-site. When machines are simple to use, you reduce the chances of downtime or wait times for service.
Don’t forget to check cleaning and maintenance needs using our provided and detailed Operator Manuals. Depending on your packinghouse conditions, this process is very important to ensure proper operation of your system and long-lasting performance.
7. After-Sales Support Makes a Big Difference
Even the best machines run into issues. That’s why customer support and service is second to none with LABELPAC. When you call, we pick-up the phone or call back in minutes.
If you experience a breakdown during peak season, you’ll want fast help and minimal disruption. With LABELPAC Service and Support, you’re not placed on a waiting list, our response is top notch.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fresh produce labeling equipment is about more than just sticking labels on fruit. It’s a strategic decision that impacts your production speed, product appearance, and profitability.
Evaluate your needs carefully. Consider how much automation you need, whether you need real-time printing, or how the machine will fit into your current workflow.
Make an informed decision now, and your future labeling and packing line will thank you.
