Companies processing and packing fresh produce are asking equipment suppliers for better-integrated systems, including pack materials, greater sophistication and customisation.

So says Easiweigh, part of the GSH group. According to regional sales manager Andy Brooks, these trends were underlined by the group's decision to acquire Easiweigh some three years ago. Up to then, the company had been more focused on processed foods.

GSH also supplies Vertipack equipment and Infia plastic packaging, both from Italy. "When you're dealing with materials, especially sealable ones, it is important to be able to guarantee that a given range of materials will run on your lines," says Brooks.

As a further demonstration of its single-sourcing philosophy, the group recently started its own printing division. This is particularly useful for items such as wine glass-style labels for produce, says Brooks.

Having Tesco approval for label printing is a distinct advantage, he adds.