Piccadily adopts NFC smart labels to tackle counterfeit alcohol in India

Piccadily Agro Industries Limited has adopted anti-counterfeit technology for its Indri Single Malt whisky, becoming the first Indian alcoholic beverage company to implement ForgeStop’s smart label system. This move addresses the widespread issue of counterfeit alcohol in India, which, according to a TRACIT report from September 2023, remains significantly above the global average and continues to rise.

The technology centers on ForgeStop InfoTap© labels, which integrate EM Microelectronic echo-V chips featuring 128-bit AES encryption. These chips generate dynamically changing tokens, adding a high level of security that makes duplication difficult. The labels also include tamper-detection features that alert consumers if the bottle seal has been broken—addressing the recurring issue of bottle reuse in alcohol fraud.

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Each bottle is digitally tracked from the point of production through the use of a digital twin. Consumers can verify authenticity by tapping their smartphones against the bottle, with no need for a separate app. This process reveals batch-level information and confirms whether the product is genuine. Unlike QR codes or holograms, which can be copied or tampered with, the NFC-based verification provides a more secure and interactive way to ensure product integrity.

The system also supports blockchain integration, making it possible to create an immutable record of each product’s journey through the supply chain. This feature enhances traceability and transparency for both producers and consumers.

By integrating this technology, Piccadily Agro Industries is responding to the growing challenge of counterfeit alcohol and aiming to improve supply chain security and consumer confidence in the Indian spirits market.

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