Differences between B2B and B2C labelling

This blog answers the following questions:

• What is the difference between B2B and B2C?
• What information do B2C labels contain?
• What information do B2B labels contain?
• What are the biggest differences between B2B labels and B2C labels?

What is the difference between B2B and B2C labelling?

Labelling rules in the food industry are crucial for giving consumers and businesses the right information about food products. European Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, also known as the FIC Regulation, sets strict requirements for the labelling of food products. Within this legislation, there is an important distinction between Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C). This distinction in labelling has major implications for the way information is shared. It also determines the obligations of producers and distributors.

What is the difference between B2B and B2C?

B2B labels are labels on food products supplied to other businesses within the supply chain, such as restaurants, caterers or food manufacturers. These products are therefore not sold directly to the end consumer. 

B2C labels , on the other hand, are intended for products offered directly to the consumer, for example through supermarkets or speciality shops.

What information do B2C labels contain?

Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, B2C labels must mandatorily contain an extensive range of particulars. This ensures that consumers are well informed about the composition and nutritional value of a product. 

The B2C labels contain 12 basic elements:

• The name of the food
• A list of ingredients, including allergens that must be clearly marked, and any mandatory quantitative ingredient declaration
• The net quantity
• The indication of any allergenic ingredients
• The best-before or use-by date
• The instructions for use (where applicable)
• Any special storage and use conditions
• The name and address of the operator
• The country of origin or place of provenance (where legally required)
• The nutrition declaration (such as energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein, salt…)
• Alcohol content by volume (in the case of an alcoholic beverage)
• The quantity of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients, the ‘QUID percentages’ (where applicable)

What information do B2B labels contain?

Less strict requirements apply to labels for products traded exclusively between businesses. However, all legally required information must still be available, for example through documentation or electronic means (usually in the form of a product specification). 

The B2B labels have the following obligations:

• The name of the food
• The name and address of the operator
• Any special storage or use conditions
• The best-before or use-by date
• Any batch or lot number for traceability

Other information such as nutritional values, the ingredient list and allergens must be available on commercial documents (technical data sheets).

What are the biggest differences between B2B labels and B2C labels?

The most notable difference is that the nutrition declaration is not mandatory on a B2B label.

Other important differences are:

• The level of detail of information: B2C labels must contain much more detailed information than B2B labels. This ensures that the consumer is fully informed.
• The flexibility in presentation: B2B information that is not required on the label may also be provided in accompanying documentation or digitally. B2C information must be shown on the product's packaging.
• The nutrition declaration: for B2C products, this is usually mandatory, but for B2B products it usually is not.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 makes a clear distinction between B2B and B2C labels in the food industry. While B2C labels must contain extensive information to properly inform consumers, B2B labels are intended for businesses and can be presented more flexibly. For producers and distributors of food products, it is essential to understand and correctly apply these differences. This way, they comply with the regulations and contribute to food safety and transparency.