Alcoholic Beverage Coding Mistakes: 7 Risks & How to Avoid Them
Think Coding Isn’t a Priority for Alcoholic Drinks? Think Again.
We get it, if you’re in the business of alcoholic drinks, you’re probably more focused on perfecting your product’s flavour, designing standout packaging, hitting production deadlines, or building your brand. Coding and marking might feel like a background task, something easy to overlook or delay investing in.
But what’s the worst that could happen? And How to Fix It
1. A Lost Sale on the Shelf
A customer picks up your bottle, impressed by the design. But they turn it over and the printed code is smudged or faint. They pause. Then they reach for your competitor’s product instead.
84% of consumers say they’d be concerned by poorly printed code.
Solution: Upgrade to modern, non-contact coding systems like inkjet or laser coders that reflect your brand’s quality.
2. Condensation Chaos
You store bottles outside in summer, then bring them in to fill resulting in condensation. If your ink can’t penetrate the moisture, your code might rub off.
That could mean costly rework or rejected shipments.
Solution: Use specialist inks designed to print on wet surfaces and resist smearing. Always test them in your own production environment before the rollout.
3. Production Stops at Midnight
Your coder runs out of ink during the night shift. The skeleton crew doesn’t know what to do. Your line grinds to a halt.
Solution: Go smart. Coders connected via IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) can send real-time fluid alerts to operators’ phones, avoiding downtime.
4. You Can’t Keep Up
Business is booming and production needs to speed up, but your coder can’t handle the pace. Eventually, it breaks down, costing you contracts while you scramble for a replacement.
Solution: Invest in scalable coding systems now. Laser coders suit high speeds, and even inkjets can handle more than you think with the right model. Consider leasing as a short-term fix that avoids capital delays.
5. A Sudden Shift in Packaging
Your craft beer brand moves from bottles to cans. But your old coder struggles wrong IP rating, incompatible ink, and is too slow.
Solution: Involve your coding supplier early. They can recommend solutions suited for new materials and line conditions before installation.
6. A Recall Gets Worse
You need to recall some stock. But because the print was unclear, you can’t isolate the issue. You recall everything at a huge cost.
Solution: Test coders thoroughly on all your packaging: glass, plastic, labels at various line speeds. Code clarity must be consistent, no matter the scenario.
7. Counterfeits Damage Your Brand
Someone copying your bottles and selling fake versions of your product is incorrect. It hurts your brand, and you might not even know until customers complain.
Solution: Use unique, hard-to-replicate codes. Laser coding lets you apply complex logos or 2D matrix codes across multiple surfaces, making counterfeiting more difficult.
Don’t Let Coding Be Your Weak Link
From code smudges to counterfeit threats, coding mistakes can have major consequences. But the good news? Every one of these risks can be managed if you invest in the right coding and marking solution.
Modern coders can:
- Handle condensation and rough handling
- Maintain consistent quality at any speed
- Alert you before ink runs out
- Adapt to new packaging types
- Help trace products during recalls
- Protect against counterfeiters
So, you can take coding for granted just don’t say we didn’t warn you. Find the ideal coding solution for your business by reading our latest white paper.