A candy or chocolate plant fills and wraps on machines built for that, then ships cases that still need a lot code, a barcode and a pallet label. That end of the line is ours.
This page is for the commercial candy, chocolate and gummy producer that needs a confectionery labeling machine or candy case coding, not for a home candy maker. We supply Altech labeling machines, print and apply systems and coding equipment, and we service the machines we do not sell. We do not sell depositors, enrobers, fillers, wrappers or baggers, which is what most confectionery packaging searches return, so this page stays with labeling and coding.
Want the end of your line looked at? Book an equipment audit and we begin with the pack you ship.
What does a confectionery line need labeled and coded?
A confectionery line needs a label or code on each retail pack (bag, jar, tub, box or tin), a date and lot code, a case label for the buyer, and a pallet label. Gummies are often packed in bags, jars or tubs; chocolate in boxes, bars and gift packs.
The retail pack. Jars and tubs take a wrap or front and back label; bags and boxes take a labeling head or a printed code. Printed film or cartons may need only a date and lot.
The case. A corrugated shipper with a lot and date code and, where required, a case label.
The pallet. A finished pallet label where the buyer asks for one.
Which confectionery labeling machine fits a gummy or candy jar and tub?
For round jars and tubs a wrap-around labeler fits, and for two labels on opposite faces a front and back labeler fits. Short runs and seasonal packs suit a semi automatic kit. Steady volume on a conveyor suits an automatic head or an ALline.
- Wrap-around. One label around the body of a jar or tub. See our wrap around labelers page for full wrap, partial wrap and the short-jar hold.
- Front and back. Two labels in register on opposite faces, covered on our two-sided labeling machines page.
- Semi automatic. The Altech ALmatic C wraps cylindrical packs from 12 to 110 mm in diameter at low volume; see ALmatic kits.
- Complete machine and heads. The ALline linear labelers and the heads on the label applicator hub cover steady volume.
- Flat boxes and gift packs. A box that takes a label on the lid and base is a lid and base labeling job.
How do you code a candy case and label a pallet?
Code the case with a thermal inkjet printer on plain corrugate, and print and apply a label where the case needs a barcode that must scan. Pallets take a separate pallet label. We test the ink on your case before recommending anything.
Our coding and marking page covers thermal inkjet printers and MPT inks; porous corrugate takes water based ink and coated stock takes solvent ink. Print and apply prints a variable label per case, and pallet labeling labels the built pallet. Formats are explained in our GS1-128 and SSCC guide.
What do we not sell for candy and chocolate plants?
We do not sell depositors, enrobers, molding or cooling equipment, fillers, flow wrappers, baggers, weighers, case packers or palletizers. We sell labeling, print and apply, pallet labeling and coding, and we service Altech, Label-Aire, PackLeader, CTM and Tach-It machines.
We also do not sell continuous inkjet or laser marking. If your wrapper already prints the date on the film, you may need only the case and pallet stations, and we say so rather than sell more.
What do retailers and regulators expect of a candy case?
Walmart's food traceability page asks food suppliers for case barcodes such as GS1-128 and an SSCC-18 barcode on pallets. Whether FDA's Food Traceability List covers your product is for you to check on the current list, and the requirement on a case often comes from your buyer.
Walmart's food traceability requirements say cases containing food must carry barcodes that can transmit traceability data, such as GS1-128; pallets an SSCC-18 barcode linked to the ASN, and suppliers share lot or batch and date codes. Other buyers differ, so ask for the written specification. FDA's Food Traceability List changes, and we do not give regulatory advice.
Should a confectioner buy a labeler or only a case coder?
If your packs are printed film or cartons, a case coder and a pallet labeler may be all you need. If you pack in jars, tubs or tins that carry a label, you need a labeler for the pack as well. Match each station to the job.
Three questions decide it. Does the retail pack carry a label or printed film? Does a buyer require a barcode on the case? How many units a day does the pack run? A semi automatic kit is the honest answer for a short seasonal run, and an automatic head is right once labeling sets the pace. Request a line assessment and tell us which packs you run.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell candy packaging equipment? We sell the labeling, coding and pallet labeling part of it. We do not sell depositors, wrappers, baggers or fillers. Buy those elsewhere, and bring us the finished pack.
What labeler works for gummy jars? A wrap-around labeler fits a round jar, and a front and back labeler fits two labels. We need the jar and the label to specify it, because shape and rate decide the machine.
Can you label a chocolate box? A lid and base label on a box is a top and bottom labeling job. We need a sample box and label, and we do not state specifics on chocolate handling without seeing the pack.
Can you code a case of candy? Yes, with a thermal inkjet printer on plain corrugate or a print and apply label where a barcode must scan. We test on your case first.
Do I need a GS1-128 label on my cases? Only if a buyer requires it. Walmart states it for food suppliers. Our case label guide explains the format.
How much does a confectionery labeling machine cost? It depends on the class, the label size, the sensing and the handling around it. We quote after we see the pack and the line.
Can you service a labeler we already own? Yes, on the brands we service. See labeler repair and service.
Bring us the pack you ship
Send a finished jar, bag or box, the label and the rate, and we tell you which stations the line needs, including when a case coder is enough. Call 253-709-5566, or book your line audit.