UK-based Delga Group has detailed how its entry into digital label printing earlier this year has helped the group traverse tough trading conditions during the pandemic, as well as support customers as they sought to trade through the crisis.

Delga Labels was launched earlier this year and has rapidly grown and developed. The new division offers both new and existing customers an additional complementary product for their packaging to the group’s existing offer. Since launch, Delga Labels has focused on sustainability and introduced 100% compostable and fully recyclable options.

Tom Stone, business development manager at Delga Labels, commented, ‘This year has been very difficult, not just for the print industry but for so many other sectors in the UK. We did not escape the strain of the pandemic and many of my colleagues had to be furloughed for some time. But it was important for us to keep manufacturing during the lockdown because so many of our customers were still open and were relying on us.’

One such customer is fellow Kent-based company Owlet Fruit Juice. Owlet has been producing fruit juices since 1985, and although the pandemic had a knock-on effect with some sales, it witnessed an unexpected shift in other areas.

Suzie Corfield, one of the owners and operators of Owlet Fruit Juice, explained, ‘The pandemic had an impact on the sales of our 250ml bottles of juices as these are usually supplied to many prestigious cafes, restaurants and food shops in the UK.  Our sales pivoted and we saw a significant uplift in demand for our one litre bottles, due to the increased trade in farm shops and independents. We needed to find another supplier of labels quickly to keep up with demand.’ 

She continued, ‘We are always keen to work with local businesses as much as possible and are delighted to have found a reliable company in our own county of Kent.’