Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This A-plus brand apple crate label was used by Standard Fruits, Inc. of Wenatchee, Washington during the early 20th century. The label was lithographed by the Ridgway Lithograph Company of Seattle, Washington. The label has a red background, with an illustration of a young woman wearing a white tank top with the U.S. shield on it, similar to what an Olympic athlete would wear. Apple advertising often focused on the health benefits of eating apples, an idea that was supported by depictions of healthy young people on apple crate labels.