Producing labels for Champagne

French printer Imprimerie Billet is a major supplier of labels for Champagne, producing 350 million labels a year – 90 percent of which are self-adhesive. The fourth generation family-owned company claims to have approximately 30 percent of the Champagne label market.

As such, it is well-placed to comment on the demands to produce labels for high profile products like Champagne. This includes changes in the Champagne market resulting from declining domestic sales, and a growing share going to export, which have impacted label production and led to greater variations in run length. More designs are needed for labels in more languages with statutory information specific to each country.

Imprimerie Billet’s in-house design department now creates 600 designs annually. There is also a rise in special editions to maintain interest in Champagne and its brands, especially at the higher end of the market.

Arnold Deregnaucourt, managing director at Imprimerie Billet, comments: ‘A Champagne label must fulfill three specific requirements. Aesthetic appeal is a given; in addition, there are strict legislative requirements, such as the provision of alcohol content and health warnings. Thirdly, it must meet mechanical demands – performing smoothly on the converting and label application line, so that a perfect laydown is achieved.

‘The look of perfection must also provide resistance to moisture, humidity and abrasion because of the exceptional bottle weight.’

Imprimerie Billet has invested in a Codimag Viva 340 Aniflo press for efficient Champagne label production, which you can read about here