Packaging & Labeling

Proper packaging is essential in order to allow safe, easy movement and storage of your products. Good packaging will protect the integrity of your products, keep out contaminants, and allow for the holding of proper temperatures. Wholesalers, grocers, and food distributors interviewed stressed the point that industry standard packaging should be used. Poor packaging and presentation is a common mistake made when delivering produce and other farm products to restaurants. This is especially true when selling to higher-end restaurants. Restaurants—especially those in the fine dining sector—appreciate growers going the extra mile to present their product. But chefs also understand that, like in a kitchen, things can happen on the farm too. 

Labels and labeling may seem to be a lesser marketing concern for those selling directly to restaurants than for those selling into other channels.  After all, don’t your fresh produce and other products often speak for themselves? And don’t chefs know what to do with the product? Experienced farm-to-restaurant marketers say this mindset defeats the marketing purpose a label has when selling to restaurants. Labels can benefit a marketing strategy by enhancing product presentation and connecting your farm’s name/brand with the product. Product labels can include instructions for use and storage. Wholesale buyers put an emphasis on having COOL and UPC or PLU codes as a minimum labeling requirements for food products. Be aware that any item you are interested in selling through a retail checkout must have a PLU [price look-up number] and or a UPC [barcode].

COOL stands for Country of Origin Label. Country of Origin Labeling is a USDA regulation which requires grocery and retail stores to identify the country of origin on certain foods. Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables must comply with COOL. This labeling law informs consumers about where their food comes from - as the label states where the product was harvested. COOL is not required for processed items and is not required at the farmer's market or roadside stands, so this may be a new concept for producers. Producers may comply with COOL by incorporating the Kentucky Proud label on their products. This means, the Kentucky Proud logo serves as your country of origin label. Read more about COOL and the commodities it covers:

1. On the USDA website here. 
2. In this USDA fact sheet: 
   
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   COOL Brochure USDA.pdf
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A price-lookup number [PLU] is a 4 or 5 digit number used on fresh produce items to help retailers manage inventory and shorten customer purchase time. These numbers are assigned by the International Federation for Produce Standards - so you cannot assign one for yourself. Search the IFPS's PLU Database here.

PLU codes are required for individual or loose items which have differing characteristics. It may be a good idea to work with your buyer to identify which of your products need a PLU code. Because PLU codes only require the use of a 4 or 5-digit number, there is room for creativity and branding on the sticker. Often times, growers use these PLU codes as small marketing opportunities. In the example [pictured below] the Sunset logo is incorporated into the PLU code.

A producer may also combine a PLU code and COOL designation in the same sticker to cut down on printing and labeling costs. In the example below, the COOL designation, PLU number, and company brand are included in one sticker. 

Find more information about PLUs here, from our friends at the Produce Marketing Association.

A UPC is a Universal Product Code used at retail stores to scan items in the point of sale system, track sales, and manage inventory. A UPC is specific to your company and your product, unlike a PLU which is standardized across produce types. You can get a UPC for your product, learn more about them [and PLU codes] in this publication from NC Cooperative Extension:

Additionally, here is another guide on PLU and UPC codes from NC Growing Together: 

1. Statement of Identity - tells the consumer what the product is
2. Net Quantity of Contents - tells the consumer how much is in the package/container 
3. Ingredients - tells the consumer what is in your product
4. Name and Address of Manufacturer, Packer, or Distributor - tells the consumer who produced this product. If you are selling a product made [or manufactured] by you then the manufacturer would be your farm name and address. 
5. Allergen Information - makes the consumer aware of potential allergens in your product
6. Nutrition Facts - tells the customer about your product's nutritional information 

It is a good idea to have your label reviewed and approved before you print them. The Food Systems Innovation Center is a great place to start with you labeling questions and concerns. Additionally, here is a guide to all things food labeling from the FDA: 

You may also reach out to the Label Approval Specialists at the Food Safety Branch to have your label approved. 

Some manufactured or produced items require nutrition facts labeling. It is important to know what does and does not go on a nutrition label. Here, is a guide to what's on a nutrition label from our friends at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln: 

Have you thought about date labels? Check out this article: here.

Check out this infosheet on common produce packaging volumes and weights: 

Additionally, this publication from UGA Extension has the most common weights and processed yields [including pound values] of fruits and vegetables in retail containers: 

Also, here you can find the grading standards for vegetables from the USDA. 

There are a lot of different types of packaging. Most commonly, producers package their products in glass, metal, plastic, and paper/paperboard containers. The key is to think about what type of packaging works best for you and your product. It is also helpful to think about packaging that is commonly used in your industry. Here is a great resource from NC State Extension on Packaging Requirements for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: 

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture offers a Promotional Grant for Kentucky Proud members who have direct Kentucky farm impact. Recipients of this grant may be eligible to receive up to 50% reimbursement for certain advertising and marketing expenses (these include packaging and labeling). Check out more about the KDA POP Grant here.