Labels manufacturer helps craft beer SMEs compete in crowded market
A labels manufacturer is aiming to make the craft beer market more competitive for start-ups and SMEs by launching a range of new services.
AA Labels has introduced a range of label embellishment options for customers to add to their bottle labels, such as embossing, hot foil stamping, screen printing, spot UV varnish and new laminating finishing options to its label printing services to enable greater access to the premium packaging market for craft breweries on limited budgets.
The £400,000 investment will allow the firm to support independent brewers in the craft sector and help them compete with major players in the crowded retail space.
The impact and influence of packaging on consumer purchase decisions is well documented in the craft beer market; research specialists Nielsen identified that 71% of buyers prefer to try new brands with eye-catching packaging and 70% make their purchase decision at the shelf.
Sohail Sethi, managing director and joint-owner of AA Labels, comments: “We have identified a growth in demand for label embellishments, but our main aim is to introduce new audiences and independent producers to the creative possibilities of labelling.
“Brands need to convey the prestige of their products through the packaging and these techniques add a luxurious and eye-catching finishing touch.
“Research demonstrates that labelling and packaging plays a significant role in influencing purchase and with the rise in popularity of drinking at home due to coronavirus lockdowns, brewers need to carefully consider how these details can encourage online purchase.
“Packaging is now as important to consumers as the product itself and the labelling and appearance of a product needs to plays a key role in creating brand advocates across social media.
“It is more important than ever to support smaller businesses; we want to demystify the process so brands with limited budgets can create high quality labels that appeal to these growing consumer demands.”
Additionally, AA Labels’ embossing and screen-printing services will enable the company to help brands make labels more accessible for visually impaired consumers through the application of braille.
AA Labels has also introduced anti-bacterial laminate finishes, which are generating increased interest due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The GM 330FB, GM DC350 and GM PNT160S machines – two roll label converter presses and automatic core cutting machine – have been purchased from Grafisk Maskinfabrik in Denmark.
The GM PNT160S is a semi-automatic core cutting machine providing high precision feeding and cutting of cardboard roll-cores at high speeds.
For details on the new embossing, hot foil printing and screen printing labelling services from AA Labels, visit: www.aalabels.com/label-embellishment.
