Stickers, Tie Tags, Tray Labels: Forms of Labeling on Fresh Produce Packaging

Walk through the produce section of any grocery store and you will see labels everywhere. A small sticker on an apple. A tie tag around a bunch of lettuce. A tray label on a box of avocados. Each one looks simple, but each serves a different purpose, follows different rules, and works best in different situations.

Choosing the wrong label format can mean scanning errors at checkout, damaged produce, or compliance problems. This guide compares the three main forms of labeling on fresh produce packaging so you can choose the right one for your product.

The Demands of the Produce Environment

Fresh produce labels face conditions that most labels never encounter. They must survive moisture from washing, cold storage, and condensation. They must stick to uneven surfaces - smooth apple skins, rough orange peels, and irregular shapes. They must also be safe for direct food contact.

At the same time, produce labels carry critical information. The PLU (Price Look-Up) code tells the cashier what the item is and how much to charge. The country of origin, variety, and organic status help consumers make informed choices.

The Three Main Formats

There are three primary forms of labeling on fresh produce packaging:

Stickers (PLU labels): Small adhesive labels applied directly to individual fruits or vegetables

Tie tags: Labels attached to bunches or bundles using a tie, band, or twist tie

Tray labels: Larger labels applied to trays, cartons, or outer packaging

Each format has its own strengths and limitations. The right choice depends on the type of produce, the packaging method, and the retail environment.

How They Work

Produce stickers are small pressure-sensitive labels applied directly to the surface of fruits and vegetables. They typically carry a PLU code, a barcode (UPC or GS1 DataBar), and sometimes a brand name or country of origin.

According to industry guidelines, all stickers should have the UPC or GS1 DataBar printed in the widest part of the sticker, with the PLU number above the barcode if included. They should also be water-resistant to survive washing and cold storage.

Where Stickers Work Best

Stickers are ideal for produce with smooth, even surfaces. Apples, pears, citrus fruits, and tomatoes are the most common examples. In Washington State alone, approximately 90% of apples are stickered using on-line labeling systems.

Modern labeling systems can apply stickers at speeds of up to 43,200 items per hour per lane. This makes stickers the most efficient format for high-volume packing operations.

Limitations

Stickers do not work well on rough or fuzzy surfaces. Produce like kiwi, peaches, or rough-skinned melons may not hold a sticker securely. Stickers are also difficult to use on very small items like berries or grapes. In these cases, a tie tag or tray label is a better choice.

Material Options

Most produce stickers are made from food-safe polypropylene film with pressure-sensitive adhesive. Newer options include compostable stickers made from cellulose film and certified compostable adhesives like BioTAK®. TIPA's compostable fruit labels are certified food-safe for direct food application and durable in cold and moist conditions.

How They Work

Tie tags are labels attached to produce using a tie, band, or twist tie. They are used for items that are sold in bunches or bundles - lettuce, herbs, celery, green onions, and radishes. The tag carries the product name, PLU code, country of origin, and barcode.

According to industry specifications, tie tags should be water-resistant and include the country of origin, product name, and UPC or GS1 DataBar barcode on the bottom front of the tag.

Recommended Applications

The produce industry has developed specific recommendations for tie tag use. For items like green leaf lettuce, romaine, spinach, and bok choy, a tie with a UPC tag is recommended, with a tag size of approximately 2" x 2" and a band length of 22 inches. For smaller bunched items like parsley, cilantro, and mint, a smaller tag (2" x 1.5") with an 8-inch band is typical.

Custom Printed Ties

Some suppliers offer custom printed twist ties that combine the fastening function and the labeling function into one item. According to industry data, this approach can reduce material costs by consolidating two items into one, speed up packing labor by 30–40%, and improve brand recognition on the shelf.

Where Tie Tags Work Best

Tie tags are the best choice for any produce that is sold in bunches. They are also useful for items that are too large or irregularly shaped for stickers, or for organic produce where a larger label with brand information is desired.

How They Work

Tray labels are larger labels applied to trays, cartons, or other outer packaging. They are not applied to individual pieces of produce. Instead, they identify the contents of the package as a whole.

According to labeling guidance for avocado exporters, tray labels on outer cartons generally must include the product description, count, country of origin, supplier details (supplied by, packed by, grown by), and the packed-on date in DD/MM/YY format.

Required Information

The FAO provides a comprehensive list of information required on produce containers. Each container should be marked with the country of origin, name and address of exporter or grower, brand name, description of content (product, variety, size, class, quality grade), gross weight, net weight or count, overall dimensions, and full name and address of receiver.

Each container should have at least two labels on both short sides, and each long side should contain general information such as brand name, type of commodity, and a logo.

Where Tray Labels Work Best

Tray labels are essential for any produce that is packed in trays or cartons for shipping and retail display. They are also required for compliance with food safety and traceability regulations. For produce like apples and pears packed in bulk trays, pattern labeling applies labels across the tray in a consistent pattern.

Step 1: Identify Your Produce Type

Start by looking at what you are labeling. Smooth-skinned fruits like apples and citrus work well with stickers. Bunched items like lettuce and herbs need tie tags. Produce packed in trays or cartons requires tray labels. Rough or fuzzy produce may need a tie tag or tray label instead of a sticker.

Step 2: Consider Your Packaging Method

If you are packing individual items for retail sale, stickers are the standard. If you are bundling items together, tie tags are the practical choice. If you are shipping in trays or cartons, tray labels are essential for compliance and traceability.

Step 3: Check Your Retailer's Requirements

Different retailers have different labeling requirements. Some may require PLU stickers on individual items. Others may accept tray labels only. Check with your buyer before ordering labels. The PLU system itself is voluntary and based on business needs - it is not regulated by a government agency.

Step 4: Evaluate Sustainability Options

Compostable labeling is becoming a requirement in many markets. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requires compostable labels on fruit and vegetables by February 2028. Compostable stickers made from cellulose film and certified compostable adhesive are now available and can run on conventional label printing presses.

Q1: What is the difference between a produce sticker and a tie tag?
A: A produce sticker is applied directly to the surface of individual fruits or vegetables. A tie tag is attached to a bunch or bundle using a tie, band, or twist tie. Stickers work best on smooth-skinned produce, while tie tags are used for leafy greens, herbs, and other bunched items.

Q2: Are PLU stickers required by law?
A: In the United States, there are no federal regulations requiring PLU stickers. The PLU system is voluntary and managed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). However, many retailers require PLU codes for accurate pricing and inventory management.

Q3: What information must appear on a tray label?
A: Tray labels on outer cartons generally must include the product description, count, country of origin, supplier details (supplied by, packed by, grown by), and the packed-on date. The FAO also recommends including brand name, net weight, and receiver information.

Q4: Can stickers be used on all types of produce?
A: No. Stickers work best on smooth, even surfaces like apples, pears, and citrus. Rough or fuzzy surfaces like kiwi and peaches may not hold stickers securely. Very small items like berries are also difficult to sticker.

Q5: Are compostable produce stickers available?
A: Yes. TIPA and Bio4Life have developed certified home compostable labels for fresh produce that are food-safe and durable in cold and moist conditions. Futamura and Bio4Life have also developed a compostable PSA label using NatureFlex cellulose film and BioTAK adhesive.