Overcoming Objections to In-House Label Printing: Streamlining Workflows, Lower Costs, Responsive Production

A food label is more than a branding tool—it's a critical component of compliance, quality control, and consumer trust. With the right design, materials, and printing strategy, labels can meet regulatory demands, thrive in tough environments, and stand out on crowded shelves.

A well-designed label must do many things at once: meet FDA labeling requirements, stand up to moisture and abrasion, align with your packaging type, reinforce your brand, and reach out to your customers with an impression that successfully competes in retail spaces.

In the food and beverage industry's ultra-competitive — and regulated — marketplace, product labeling design is critical to branding and customer communication. Regardless of company size, food and beverage manufacturers must recognize and take proactive measures to prevent product labeling pitfalls.

In 2022, Heiko Pack Co., Ltd. (Japan) launched an on-demand printing service for small-lot, short-delivery paper bags and packaging materials using a T3-OPX, which can print directly onto three-dimensional objects made into bags and boxes.

Through real-life business success stories, uncover why more and more companies are embracing in-house product and package label printing instead of outsourcing with online vendors.

V-Shapes® is the creator of innovative unit-dose packaging sachets and the machinery to produce them. V-Shapes sachets are a brand-new way to safely, affordably, and sustainably pack products in unique single-dose packaging that can be opened in a single gesture using one hand, ranging from hand sanitizer to honey and more.

Everyone loves to receive and open a package. Regardless of age, the anticipation someone feels when their package arrives and it's time to dig in is a universal feeling. Now more than ever, with saturated markets and ever-changing marketing tactics, brands are fighting to find ways to stand out from the crowd, build brand loyalty, and satisfy current customers.

At AstroNova, we understand right now with current events, depending on the industry, keeping up with demands may be more critical than ever. As part of AstroNova's commitment to our customers in maintaining a safe and hygienic workplace, we've provided an outline that includes recommended disinfection materials and procedures you may find helpful when cleaning your printer.

During a trip to Denmark, AstroNova met with luxury licorice company Lakrids by Bülow to see how they print quality, high-end labels to complement their brand.

Local French favorite confectionery, Domaine De Baudry, uses a QuickLabel® QL-300 to efficiently print premium, high-quality confectionery labels on-site. In the quaint town of Saint-Hilaire de Pionsat, located in the heart of the Auvergne region, in a scenic, charming village, you’ll find Domain De Baudry.

Many companies outsource their product labels to save on costs and maintain production efficiency. But when you break it down, is outsourcing really the most efficient route? Depending on your business size and needs, it could be more beneficial printing prepared food labels in-house. Here are the top four reasons why taking label production in-house can be the better option:

Many companies outsource their product labels to save financially and produce efficiently. But is outsourcing really the most efficient route? For small to medium-sized business owners, outsourcing is not always the best solution. Depending on your business size and needs, you may be better off making your own food & beverage labels in-house.

In Virginia Beach, Jody’s Popcorn sells freshly made, caramel-coated, chocolate drizzled and savory popcorn snacks. With their unique line of product flavors, they rely on their Kiaro! label printer (our updated printer is the QL-120X) to produce the famous popcorn labels that pop!

In Oxnard, California, just a short drive north along the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles, is Amoretti, one of the country's premier makers of gourmet ingredients and high-end flavors. How Amoretti perfects their high-end flavors so perfectly is a secret, known to only a select few who work in their kitchens. How they package those products at a professional level is a different story: they use the QuickLabel printer.

AstroNova visited O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, Wisconsin. This family bakery is a tradition in the area, and all over the world. Their most well-known product is the traditional Danish kringle. This labor-intensive flakey buttery pastry with delicious filling is popular not only in all of their Racine retail locations but also all over the world.  O&H ships their melt-in-your-mouth kringles globally.

As I walked through the front doors of the pink and green painted building, I was enveloped in the smell of butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel coffee. This heavenly scent is otherwise known as freshly brewed Grumpy Grog from La Crema Coffee Company. One look at the colorful coffee labels and bright green packaging and I was sold.