The label is a graphic / text mark applied in the form of a sticker, a piece or a coupon of a product, exhibit or any other production product, indicating the trademark, manufacturer, name, date of manufacture, composition, quality, standard, expiration date, way of storage and use, etc. Precursors of modern labels are the marks that put the producers of beverages (mainly wines) on amphorae, bottles, etc. clay dishes. Until the beginning of our era, mankind did not know paper and pieces of leather or parchment were used.
The advent of paper in Europe has had a major impact on the appearance of labels. Paper proves to be much more suitable than stigma, parchment and leather for transmitting information. on paper labels, in addition to information about the name of the product, the manufacturer and the place of origin, advertising messages and information about the use and use of the goods begin to appear.
The main credit for the development of the label goes to wine production. By 1820, wine labels began to resemble those of today, but were characterized by a strict and concise style. Initially, they have a simple rectangular or oval shape. Over time, all kinds of ornaments, vignettes and coats of arms, angels, saints, monks, folk scenes and picturesque landscapes, etc. enter the production of labels. The same wines are sold with a different label, depending on the country to which they are exported. Of course, in those days there were no official rules for the content of labels: they usually contained only information about the geographical origin, the manufacturer and the place of production. In 1834, winemakers began to put on labels and information about the year of harvest. For the period from 1820 to 1920, the production of champagne increased from 2 to 20 million bottles per year, and last but not least, the label played a big role in the 10-fold increase. the little piece of paper becomes a powerful engine of trade and a means of informing customers.
The first official rules for labeling wines appeared in the early 20th century. Since then, more and more attention has been paid to labels: famous artists such as Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol are working on their design.
At the decision of the manufacturers or by prescription / obligation of law, labels appear on the labels to inform the consumer about various aspects of the use of a product: the conditions for washing clothes, ways of disposing of waste and recycling, food content, chemical composition of detergents, quantity, weight, contact numbers of the manufacturer or distributor of the goods, etc.
