Labelling

Timestrip, the AIM-listed supplier of smart labels for packaging, has signed a distribution agreement with 3663 First for Foodservice, which could serve as a springboard for developing its international sales.

The agreement with 3663, a UK food distributor with headquarters in High Wycombe, follows trials with contract caterers that supply the UK care home and education sectors.

3663 will supply a full range of Timestrips with dispensing system to customers in the health and education sectors, as well as hotels, restaurants and fast-food chains.

Caterplus Services in Watford, which also adopted the labels in a number of trial sites, said it planned to use them in its care homes and educational establishments across the UK.

The firm's sales director, Ian Clementson, said: "We believe that Timestrip complements our existing safety policies and can provide real benefit in further assuring food safety."

Timestrip said the trials had confirmed that its smart labels were more effective than handwritten or colour-coded labels because there was no ambiguity over product life and errors were reduced. They also helped cut the amount of food thrown away and saved costs.

Timestrip joint chief executive Reuben Isbitsky said: "The trials were the starting point for our labels gaining recognition. As well as Caterplus and 3663, we have other users coming along, such as leisure centres, schools and hospitals. There is no reason why their experiences could not also apply to users in Europe and the US."

The Hitchin-based firm's patented disposable smart labels monitor how long packaging has been opened or how long a product has been in use. They can measure elapsed time from minutes up to longer than a year.