Sinclair International Limited, headquartered in Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom, is a global leader in fresh produce labeling solutions. Established in 1982, Sinclair has pioneered a wide range of automated labeling technologies and food-safe label products tailored specifically for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. With manufacturing and service operations across multiple continents, Sinclair supports packers and growers in over 45 countries, offering high-speed, eco-conscious, and reliable labeling systems that drive product traceability, branding, and retail compliance.
Core Business
Sinclair International’s core operations include:
- Design and production of food-safe fruit labels
- Manufacture and deployment of high-speed labeling systems
- Supply of certified compostable and recyclable labels
- Aftermarket service, support, and consumables delivery
- Custom design and branding solutions for fresh produce
Sinclair operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Avery Dennison Corporation, a global materials science and packaging leader.
Product and Service Offerings
Sinclair provides an extensive product suite, including:
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Fruit Labels:
- PLU (Price Look-Up) and barcoded labels
- Compostable labels (EN13432 certified for industrial and home composting)
- Food-safe adhesives compliant with FDA and EU regulations
- Customized branding, QR codes, and promotional designs
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Labeling Systems:
- High-speed Print-and-Apply (P&A) systems for dynamic label content
- AutoLabel systems for multiple product types and line speeds
- Integration with packhouse automation systems
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Service & Support:
- Global service teams and technicians
- Remote diagnostics and preventive maintenance
- Local warehousing and logistics for just-in-time label supply
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Sinclair International stands out due to:
- Pioneering Labeling Automation – Over four decades of innovation in fruit labeling.
- Sustainability Leadership – First to offer certified compostable fruit labels in both home and industrial formats.
- Global Reach, Local Support – Facilities in the UK, USA, France, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and New Zealand.
- Brand Visibility – Enables grower and retailer branding at point-of-sale through consistent, visually impactful labeling.
- High-speed Throughput – Systems capable of applying up to 720 labels per minute.
Financials
As a private subsidiary of Avery Dennison, detailed financials for Sinclair are not publicly disclosed. However:
- Estimated Global Market Reach: Over 35 billion labels applied annually
- Staffing: 250–500 employees across global operations
- Facility Investments: Multiple regional hubs for manufacturing, support, and training
- Growth Focus: Increasing market penetration in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and sustainability-driven markets
(Sources: Company website, trade interviews, Avery Dennison reports)
Target Market
Sinclair serves a wide spectrum of clients, including:
- Fruit packers and exporters
- Large-scale growers and cooperatives
- Retailers and supermarket chains
- Produce marketing agencies and branding consultants
- Organic and sustainability-focused producers
Capabilities
- Engineering Expertise – In-house R&D for mechanical and software systems
- Customization – Label size, shape, color, adhesive, and branding tailored per SKU
- Food Safety Compliance – FDA, EU, and REACH-compliant materials and inks
- Sustainability Integration – Low-waste applicators, compostable materials, recyclable substrates
Certifications and Compliance
Sinclair is recognized for adherence to global compliance and food safety standards, including:
- FDA 21 CFR compliance for direct food contact materials
- EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 for food-contact materials
- EN 13432 Compostability Certification for label materials
- ISO 9001 Quality Management Certification
- REACH and RoHS Compliance
Shipment Records
While not a traditional exporter of goods, Sinclair’s global distribution includes:
- Localized manufacturing and warehousing for rapid supply of labels
- Equipment exports to packhouses worldwide
- Installation and servicing in over 45 countries
Recognitions and Achievements
- First company to launch certified compostable fruit labels for both home and industrial composting systems.
- Multiple international produce innovation awards for labeling and sustainability.
- Key partner to global supermarket chains in enhancing brand visibility and traceability.
- Industry thought leader in label waste reduction, supply chain efficiency, and packhouse automation.
Customer Testimonials
Although direct testimonials are typically shared through private client references, Sinclair’s long-standing relationships with global produce brands and retailers indicate strong trust and satisfaction in their products and systems. Repeat business and long-term contracts support their reputation as the category leader in fresh produce labeling.