Identiv, Inc., global digital security and identification leader in the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced the successful completion of the pilot launch of Identiv’s near field communication (NFC)-enabled smart packaging for OTACA Tequila. With over 5,000 bottles of tequila successfully digitized during the pilot launch, OTACA plans to ramp its production plans with Identiv to an additional 50,000 bottles of Reposado tequila in the first quarter of 2023.
In October 2021, Identiv announced a collaboration with OTACA Tequila to expand smart packaging innovations with NFC-enabled authentication, transparency, customer loyalty, and brand awareness. High-performing NTAG 210u NFC tags power the new smart packaging solution attached to the top of OTACA Tequila bottles. OTACA is the first spirits company to fully digitize its product offerings with NFC.
“From the proof of concept to pilot and now the upcoming production phase, our collaboration with OTACA has delivered significant results,” said Amir Khoshniyati, VP and GM, Transponders, Identiv. “The market demand for OTACA continues to grow. Our NFC tags on OTACA Tequila bottles are propelling global sales by facilitating re-orders, while delivering unparalleled insights into consumer habits and behaviors,” added Khoshniyati.
“We have worked hard to create a highly personalized experience for our OTACA Tequila customers,” said Anthony Accetta, CEO and Founder, OTACA Tequila. “Each purchased bottle maps a journey, inviting a digital touchpoint with product provenance and authentication upon every consumer NFC tag tap. We’re looking forward to further growth with Identiv, including plans to expand with Anejo,” stated Accetta.
The NFC tag, combined with blockchain technology, strengthens the validity of the tequila’s origins. A true artisanal sipping spirit, OTACA Tequila has been recently recognized for multiple awards including 2022 Sip Awards Double Gold, 2021 Cigar and Spirits Magazine World Spirits competition, and 2022 Spirits Business Awards Gold, Tequila and Mezcal Masters category.
Identiv’s NFC-enabled solutions feature a complete portfolio of tags and form factors allowing customers and partners of wine and spirits, high-end luxury goods, and sports jerseys to create their own NFC products, ecosystems, and experiences. Identiv is recognized for offering the highest quality NFC tags with innovative known designs, global scale, and depth of converting and encoding capabilities.