Fruit laser labelling specialist Laser Food is preparing for major expansion following the signing of a distribution and marketing deal with JBT, with the company poised to move into South Africa, Latin America and other non-US markets.
A pioneer of environmentally-friendly laser labelling for fruit, Laser Food has until now only been present in European markets, such as France, the UK and Spain, but the new accord will enable the Valencia-based company to forge links with producers in all non-US markets.
Under the terms of the agreement, JBT, with sales in more than 100 countries, will build and market Laser Food’s Laser Mark labelling system, with the exception of some European markets where Laser Food is already present.
Speaking at Fruit Logistica 2015, Laser Food’s international business development manager Stephane Merit said the deal would give Laser Food access to JBT’s commercial and logistical network, as well as its technical support, enabling the launching of the system on a far greater scale.
“At the moment our machines are being used in places like Spain, France and Poland, but we plan to have them in other areas like South Africa, as well as South and Central American countries,' Merit explained. “With this new deal we are going to be able to access South Africa, among other places, and our clients will have the security of knowing that we will be near them for support.”
Laser Food’s Laser Mark labelling system functions through the combination of the removal of a tiny area of fruit surface by laser and the application of an EU-approved contrasting liquid to add almost any type of brand logo.
JBT labeler technical manager Seamus Cullen said: “JBT is excited about our partnership with Laser Food.”
“Technology, service and manufacturing have always been cornerstones of JBT’s business, and we are pleased to be able to offer this novel, value-added technology to Europe, South Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Rim countries.”
“JBT considers the Laser Mark system to be a natural extension of our existing conventional labelling product offering.”
