LABELING SYSTEM

A labeling system includes a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled in a first direction through a labeling station while allowing the article to be rotated, and a label transport for conveying labels in a generally opposite second direction from a label dispensing station to the labeling station. Label dispensing components are provided for dispensing a label onto the label transport whereby the label transport can convey the label to the labeling station where the label contacts the article so that the label is transferred to the article. The conveyor may employ a nest for rotatably supporting the article that includes at least first and second rollers for supporting the article therebetween. A method of wrap around labeling includes the steps of moving an article to be labeled in a first direction to a label applying station, moving a label with an adhesive on a face thereof in a generally opposite second direction into the labeling station, contacting the face of the label and the article are both moving to transfer the label to the article, and rotating the article to apply the label to the article.