Asda extends contract with print quality platform

British supermarket chain Asda has renewed its multi-year contract with X-Rite Inc. and Pantone LLC to continue using the ColorCert Suite platform for managing the color and consistent look of its store brand packaging across all of its print suppliers.

Asda print specialists use ColorCert to monitor print quality and follow data for every press run via a dashboard. Asda said it increased packaging quality performance scores by 200% using the system, and the grocer has been using it for the last five years.

Asda store brand packaging is printed globally across a variety of suppliers, print processes and substrates. The platform helps Asda’s small team of specialists attend every press pass across all suppliers to check on print quality. 

Today, a majority of Asda's approved printers have installed pressroom tools and report data directly into the ColorCert Scorecard Server. Asda sets tolerances for process colors, brand colors, overprints and grey balance to ensure process control. Printers are able to evaluate and monitor their own print quality. According to Asda, ColorCert improves printer performance, reduces rejects, and significantly saves time and costs.

"Implementing ColorCert has given us the tools to focus on color and consistency," said Jason Gilmartin, senior print manager, Asda. "As brand owners, we can now measure print quality based on agreed criteria and measurable data rather than subjective opinions, which helped to further improve relationships with our approved printers as we clearly define and agree on our expectations. We even offer Q&A sessions to interested printers and brand owners to share the benefits of ColorCert as a quality assurance solution, as we continue to champion smart working."

Cindy Cooperman, vice president, brand global strategic accounts at X-Rite, said Asda was the first U.K. retailer to implement a print quality program. "Asda's continued investment and commitment in the ColorCert Suite is a testament to the success of the program. We are very pleased to renew our contract and build upon this long-standing partnership."