Identiv, ZATAP, and Genuine-Analytics Collaborate to Fight Wine Counterfeiting with IoT and Blockchain Technology

Revolutionizing Wine Authentication with IoT and Blockchain

In an exciting development for wine connoisseurs and producers alike, Identiv, Inc., a leader in RFID technology, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with ZATAP and Genuine-Analytics. Together, these companies are determined to combat wine counterfeiting using sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) solutions combined with the security of blockchain technology.

The Challenge of Wine Fraud

Wine fraud is a significant issue globally, with industry estimates suggesting that as much as 20% of the wine sold may be counterfeit. This problem not only threatens collectors’ investments but also tarnishes the reputation of legitimate producers. In response, Identiv and its partners are setting a new standard for wine authentication, utilizing the innovative capabilities of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology and digital certificates to verify both the bottle and its contents.

A Cutting-Edge Solution

The collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive NFC-based anti-counterfeiting solution tailored for luxury wine producers and avid collectors. The technology leverages secure NFC inlays, developed by Identiv, embedded into wine bottles. These inlays utilize NTAG® 424 DNA Tag technology from NXP® Semiconductors, which features tamper-proof security measures.

Genuine-Analytics introduces its scientific content analysis, validated against a proprietary database known as winePROOF. Meanwhile, ZATAP enhances the user experience by offering a mobile interface that connects with the blockchain, delivering real-time data on the authenticity and history of the wine.

This innovative approach enables quick verification of a wine bottle's authenticity, ensuring that both the product and its provenance are credible.

Testing and Validation

A noteworthy deployment of this solution took place during a Swiss wine auction in 2024, where a series of rare vintages were successfully authenticated, including bottles priced over 20,000 Swiss Francs. The system's efficiency was further highlighted by its ability to flag a counterfeit bottle, underscoring the importance of such technologies in the industry. Klaus Simonmeyer, Vice President of Identiv, emphasized, "This is the future of wine authentication." He noted that the collaboration's combined expertise creates a robust framework for maintaining the integrity of fine wine.

How It Works

To authenticate the wine, a microscopic laser-drilled hole facilitates the testing of the wine’s content without compromising the bottle. Once verified, a GA Safety Tag designed by Identiv is used to reseal the bottle, providing a digital link back to the product's identity and authenticity. This process effectively sets a new standard of digital trust, especially beneficial for collectors, auction houses, and producers.

Dr. Markus Ehrat, CEO of Genuine-Analytics, articulated the goal of the partnership: to deliver a seamless and reliable solution for wine authentication. He believes that this innovative system aids the wine industry in staying at the forefront of the battle against counterfeiting.

Looking Ahead

The potential applications of this technology extend far beyond luxury wines. David Geisser, CEO of ZATAP, noted, "When this solution is applied at the producer level, it can scale to include any wine, from luxury wines to everyday vintages."

To showcase the technology and its impact, Identiv, ZATAP, and Genuine-Analytics will host a webinar titled "The Future of Wine Authentication" on May 28, 2025, at 9 AM PDT. This session will feature a live demonstration of the wine authentication application and delve deeper into the innovations being crafted by these leading companies.

A Pioneering Partnership

As the global demand for wine continues to grow, so does the need for reliable authentication methods. The partnership between Identiv, ZATAP, and Genuine-Analytics represents a pioneering effort to enhance the wine industry's integrity using cutting-edge technology. This collaboration not only aims to provide peace of mind for consumers but also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the value and reputation of wine producers globally. For more information and to register for the upcoming webinar, visit Identiv's website.