Label Apeel, award-winning printers based in Leicestershire, have opened a permanent office in Alloa following a rise in demand for their labelling knowledge and printing expertise. Here, Stephen Anderson, business development executive for Scotland, tells Packaging Scotland why the team is eager to provide a more local service to customers across the country
WE’VE been working with a handful of clients across Scotland for over 12 months, opening our new office in the summer of 2017 after it became apparent that there was an increasing need for our services.
When I joined the Label Apeel team back in June, I knew that the business had already established a strong reputation in Scotland, but seeing customers’ reactions to our ideas and capabilities has really blown me away. Many companies, such as House of Macduff, were already aware of our focus on customer service; we strive to always take an active interest in clients’ businesses, developing solutions alongside their team to ensure a result that their brand will really benefit from. This is exactly what we’ve been doing for House of Macduff; who bottle private casks under their own-label “Golden Cask”, as well as produce their own blend such as ‘Burns Nectar’.
Label Apeel’s head office is based in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, where our 50-strong team of digital and flexo label experts clock up over 200 years of experience between them. As a company, we’re passionate about providing both technically ground-breaking and challenging labels to the FMCG sectors.
The Label Apeel name is especially well-known amongst the food and drink industry. Just three months after opening our Scottish office, we’ve successfully caught the attention of numerous big names in the drinks industry; many of whom approached us after they saw our work with Warner Edwards and South-Western Distillery.
We’re currently working with Innis and Gunn on a specialist research and development project, looking at how technology can enhance their branding. We’re also working with William Grant & Son on a label for Glenfiddich which will be exported to Sweden. Meanwhile, in the soft drinks market, Label Apeel’s Scottish office is involved in an exciting collaboration with NB Gin and Bon Accord, creating a tonic label that will be seen in local chain Locketts just before Christmas 2017.
Not just the drinks industry
Label Apeel’s Scottish branch is not simply focused on drinks brands though. At this very moment, we’re working through a huge rebrand with the Isle of Skye Candle Company, considering how new processes and techniques can assist them in creating innovative new branding prior to their expansion into the American market.
Another great example of how Label Apeel offers a wide-reaching service for its customers is our redevelopment of Aldi’s Scottish label for rapeseed oil (produced by Gregor Mackintosh at Mackintosh of Glendaveny). For this, we trialled various different materials on our press in order to identify the label which would work best with the company’s bottling line. By changing the label’s material, we’ve been able to double production speed for this product, providing substantial savings for Mackintosh.
I’ve been fascinated to see how many importers of wines, beers and spirits have met with Label Apeel to discuss the relabelling of their foreign branding. Currently, there seems to be a real focus amongst brands to readdress their labelling and, in the coming months, we expect to be assisting many more brands with introducing variety and innovative finishes to their labels.
Showing commitment through sponsorship
Finally, Label Apeel was delighted to encourage the work of the Scottish drinks industry by sponsoring the Scottish SIBA Awards ‘Small Pack Premium Strong Ale’ category this September. It was a great honour to attend The Scottish Gin Awards as a judge, and I had a wonderful time at getting to know more about the industry and the people that work within it.
Every day, Label Apeel’s Scottish branch is receiving enquiries from potential customers across a wide range of industries. Thanks to the phenomenal reputation of our head office, many of our Scottish customers already have confidence in our flair for quality, fair pricing and customer service. Moving forward our aim is to offer unrivalled levels of customer service to the Scottish market, helping brands to produce labels that increase shelf appeal, value and overall profitability. Along with the rest of the Label Apeel team, I can already feel a buzz around our Scottish office and am truly excited about our future in Scotland.
