A method for manufacturing labels and for applying each of the labels to an end wall of a cigarette packet. The method includes separating the labels from a continuous web moving in a horizontal direction with the width of the web parallel to a vertical plane. Only one side of the web is provided with printed areas for a succession of the labels, and severance cuts are provided in the web to form the labels between the areas. Separation of the labels occurs at the cuts. After the labels are separated, they are continuously transported by a suction conveyor belt moving in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the web. The labels are held separated from each other by negative pressure from the belt which acts on the printed side. Glue is applied to the print-free side of the labels on the belt by a phased and non-contact application of at least on row of successive glue spots extending along the longitudinal dimension of the label. Then the labels are applied to the packets.