In the highly competitive CPG landscape, operational efficiency and agility aren’t just advantages—they’re essential. This case study on the National Raisin Company and REA JET showcases how implementing smart, inline coding and marking directly on packaging lines can dramatically cut costs, improve inventory control, and accelerate speed to market.
The Challenge: Pre-Printed Packaging in a Fast-Paced Market
National Raisin, the largest independent grower, processor, and packer of dried fruit in the U.S. since 1969, relied on pre-printing cases offline—a slow, labor-intensive process that required anticipating future demand.
- Labor-heavy print shop: 3–4 employees across two shifts pre-printed 25–30,000 cases in advance.
- Inventory risks: Overstocked or understocked printed cases disrupted production line flow.
- Added admin overhead: Reconciliation tasks tied up valuable packaging and planning resources.
Packaging Manager Tim Ramirez explains:
“If too few boxes are printed, production must stop — packing halts, labor sits idle, and time is wasted. If too many boxes are printed, inventory reconciliation issues and unnecessary waste occur.”
The latest generation of REA JET GK 2.0 high resolution coding and marking systems using piezo technology is suitable for direct, high-contrast coding and marking on absorbent and porous surfaces, such as cardboard, wood, and paper, with a variable print height of up to 100 mm.
The CPG Solution: Inline High-Resolution Inkjet Printing
REA JET introduced their GK 2.0 piezo high‑resolution inkjet printer directly on the packaging line, enabling on-demand, print-as-you-pack workflows:
- High-resolution output: Up to 1200 dpi—supports logos, product info, and codes.
- Real-time flexibility: Remove the need for pre-printed stock; print exactly what you need, when you need it.
- Remote monitoring & support: Operators access controllers via network; REA JET provides hands-on training and technical backup.
This approach aligns perfectly with modern CPG needs: speed, flexibility, and reduced waste.
Measurable Benefits for CPG Brands
| KPI | Before | After |
| Labor & print shop staff | 3–4 employees, two shifts | Direct printing done inline resulted in major headcount reduction |
| Inventory accuracy | Guesswork led to over/under stock | Real-time printing eliminates pre-print errors |
| Operational cost | Printing + admin + waste | Costs halved through streamlining the printing process |
Tim Ramirez confirms:
“Incorporating REA JET… saved a lot of money, not only in labor but also in unnecessary intermediate inventory print errors…”
Key Takeaways for CPG Manufacturers
- Print-on-demand cuts overhead: No pre-print delays.
- Inventory flexibility: Adjust production runs on the fly.
- Higher throughput, fewer errors: Inline printing eliminates extra steps.
- Support and scalability: Easy remote access and technical assistance enable quick operator uptake across shifts and lines.
Final Thoughts
For CPG brands, classic bottlenecks such as packaging unpredictability and labeling misfires can erode margins quickly. The National Raisin example shows how inline, high-res, on-demand printing transforms packaging into a strategic lever—improving operational throughput, brand agility, and cost efficiency. As CPG companies continue to demand smarter, leaner supply chains, inline coding is a clear path to market differentiation and margin growth.
Is Your Packaging Strategy Working for You?
If you’re in CPG and still pre-printing your packaging offline, it’s time to rethink. Inline high-resolution printing isn’t just tech—it’s a way to win today’s market dynamics. Contact REA JET to explore how agile coding and marking can unlock your packaging potential.