Method for printing and applying labels

A method for printing and applying at least two different labels each including human readable information onto a substantially rectangular package having a top surface, a bottom surface and four side edges such that said human readable information is oriented to be read from one side edge of at least two selected side edges of said package, said method comprising the steps of:

• printing a first label including human readable information:
• operating a first label applier to apply said first label to a defined portion of said package in a selected physical angular orientation such that said first label can be read from one side edge of said package in accordance with how said package is to be displayed for sale;
• printing a second label including human readable information which is printed onto said second label in an orientation to be read from said one side edge of said package when said second label is applied onto said package in a set of physical angular orientation;
• operating a second label applier to apply said second label onto said package in said set physical angular orientation;
• selecting said one edge of said package from which the human readable information is to be read;
• setting said first label applier to apply labels to said package in accordance with said selected one side edge of said package;
• setting said second label applier in accordance with said selected one side edge of said package;
• assembling data representative of the human readable information which is to be printed on said second label in a form corresponding to said selected one side edge of said package;
• printing said second label from said assembled data;
• and
• generating a control signal in said first label applier to identify said selected one side edge of said package, and wherein the step of setting said second label applier comprises receiving said control signal from said first label applier.