Market Trends of Print And Apply Labeling And Labeling Equipment Industry
Food and Beverage Industry to Hold Major Market Share
- The increased consumer and brand interest in food and beverage labels and strict food and beverage labeling regulations boost the market growth for print-and-apply labeling and labeling equipment. The increased interest in product labels poses issues for government officials, who must guarantee that the information on food and beverage packages is helpful, credible, and presented clearly so that the consumer is not misled.
- With the expansion of the global food trade, there is a greater need to standardize food labeling so that product information is easily understood and helpful to consumers in diverse countries. With the surge in consumption of packaged food and ready-to-drink beverages, the need for accurate product and brand information has been propelled, which fuels the demand for print-and-apply labeling and labeling equipment.
- Considering global regulatory demands, labeling is a highly intricate process that is even more vital to products than ever before. Regulatory authorities such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) have imposed strict regulations on food safety and packaging.
- The FDA's food safety authority has strengthened the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandates in order to safeguard the public's health and consumers. These regulatory bodies continually aim to improve food safety processes in manufacturing and distribution and enhance product traceability in the supply chain. This drives the global sales of print-and-apply labeling and labeling equipment.
- Furthermore, the demand for automation in the food and beverage industry is driving the market studied. As consumers today are more conscious of product details, labels play a crucial role in providing information about the product and boosting sales. Manufacturers are now shifting to automated labeling systems to meet the growing demand in the food and beverage industry.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Register Fastest Growth
- The growing urban population primarily drives Asia-Pacific due to increased demand for packaged food, simple access to polymer films, and a relatively inexpensive labor pool. Shrink and stretch sleeves, economical options for adorning containers with complicated designs, are projected to see significant expansion in Southeast Asia, a price-sensitive market. The consumption of FMCG products is anticipated to rise along with the demand for food and beverage products, personal care items, high-speed and high-quality labeling solutions, and packaging in the food business.
- According to the Food Labeling Standards of China (GB7718-2011), imported foods shall have clear markings that indicate the country of origin and the name and address of the general distributor registered in the country. One of the primary drivers boosting the demand for labeling machines in China is the rising desire for productivity gains across industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and technical developments. Chinese regulations demand that before goods can be imported or exported, labels for imported and exported (but not domestic) food items, including sweets, wine, nuts, canned food, and cheese, must be validated, and the products must be checked for quality.
- Growing expansion, spending, and product innovation in the packaging area across multiple industries in the country have boosted the demand for labeling machines. For instance, in December 2023, QLM, a Vietnam-based label manufacturer, opened a new 6000 sq. m manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City with an investment of USD 22 million to meet the increasingly diverse demands of the Vietnamese and broader Asia-Pacific markets. The new facility consists of several dedicated areas focused on different printing technologies, including flexographic label printing, offset printing for soft folded cartons, digital printing technology for labels and sheets, and newly installed digital flexible packaging printing and finishing equipment.
- Moreover, Asia-Pacific is a major manufacturing hub for various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. As these industries increasingly expand, the demand for labeling solutions is growing proportionally. Globalization and increasing exports necessitate compliance with international standards, requiring manufacturers to invest in advanced labeling equipment and support market growth.