THE acquisition of advanced printing technology usedglobally to meet strict quality standards marks a milestone for RAM Labels. TheCape-based company has also achieved ISO 9001 certification, a recognisedbenchmark for quality and procurement.

Since 2016, RAM Labels has supplied the wine and spiritsindustries and works exclusively with ROTOCON, a provider of turnkey labellingand narrow web solutions.

In less than a decade, RAM Labels has established itself asa producer of flexographic and digitally printed labels, supplying bothsmall-batch premium wines and large commercial ranges. Its latest addition, aPantec RHINO flatbed hot foil embossing unit, expands its capabilities. OwnerThomas Veenstra describes the investment as a pivotal development, positioningthe business to meet higher design and production expectations in SouthAfrica’s label manufacturing industry. The acquisition was facilitated throughROTOCON, Pantec’s sub-Saharan Africa representative.

RAM Labels is among few South African companies with thistechnology and can now offer finishing capabilities previously sourced fromoverseas suppliers at high cost.

‘Our industry has long been shaped by technologicallimitations,’ says Thomas. ‘Designers and brand owners lowered expectations tomatch what was locally possible. We saw that gap early and decided to aimhigher. Now, we can confidently show marketing, design and sales teams what canbe done right here.’

A service non-negotiable

For wine producers, consistency and reliability across thesupply chain underpin brand value. RAM Labels has built a long-standingrelationship with ROTOCON based on shared values, responsiveness and long-termthinking.

Specialised equipment such as the Pantec RHINO requirestechnical alignment, preparation and ongoing support to ensure peak performanceduring the busiest production periods.

RAM Labels relies exclusively on ROTOCON, a choice based onexperience rather than convenience, explains Thomas. ‘If we have a crisis,ROTOCON reacts immediately. That responsiveness keeps our machines running anddowntime to an absolute minimum, benefitting our clients directly.’

Support from fully trained technical teams is availablearound the clock, while proactive planning and machine integration allow RAMLabels to deliver advanced finishes without compromising turnaround times. ‘Forwine producers working within tight bottling windows, this reliabilitytranslates directly into peace of mind,’ says Thomas.

The premium edge

RAM Labels’ investment coincides with a focus onpremiumisation in the South African wine industry. As producers compete oncrowded shelves, labels play a growing role in indicating a wine’s quality andprovenance.

ROTOCON sourced the RHINO unit from Swiss manufacturerswhose equipment is used worldwide in sectors with high security and qualityrequirements, including banks and tobacco companies.

For local wine producers, advanced finishing techniquessuch as hot foil embossing, intricate textures and precise detailing signalcare, authenticity and value before the bottle is opened. The RHINO enables RAMLabels to deliver these features consistently, meeting the expectations ofmodern wine brands.

Advanced label technology also plays a key role inprotecting brand integrity. Counterfeiting, a long-standing issue in spirits, isrising in the premium and collectible wine sectors. Features such as complexfoiling, embossing and finely controlled print details are difficult toreplicate, offering an added layer of security.

RAM Labels’ investment allows South African wine producersto compete on quality and credibility. By combining upgraded technology withreliable production and ongoing support, RAM Labels reinforces the label asboth a branding tool and a safeguard of value.

How philosophy drives success

While its technology has expanded, RAM Labels follows ameasured growth strategy, remaining small, agile and communicative, andexpanding capacity in line with real demand from its established client base.

‘We don’t want to be the biggest,’ says Thomas. ‘We want tobe the best.’

He explains that smaller teams allow for clearercommunication, faster response times and closer collaboration.

‘Early on, RAM identified poor communication as a keyindustry frustration and set out to address it. Every email is acknowledged.Every client knows where they stand. That clarity builds trust,’ Thomasexplains.

This approach allows RAM Labels to respond quickly to theSouth African wine market’s expectations. By investing in advanced finishingand security features without significantly increasing costs, RAM Labels offersa technical capability supported by close partnerships and steady growth.

Captions:

ROTOCON’s Michael Aengenvoort and RAM Labels’ ThomasVeenstra alongside the Pantec RHINO.

RAM Labels’ newest addition: the Pantec RHINO flatbed hotfoil embossing unit.

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