Piccadily deploys NFC Tech to combat counterfeiting

In a pioneering move aimed at consumer safety and trust, Piccadily Agro Industries Limited has become the first Indian alco-bev company to deploy ForgeStop Tech’s advanced anti-counterfeit NFC smart label technology on its award winning Indri single malt whisky.

The ForgeStop InfoTap Labels use EM Microelectronics Echo-V chips, featuring 128-bit AES encryption and dynamically changing tokens providing bank-level security. These smart labels also include tag-tamper detection, which alerts consumers if a bottle seal has ever been broken, addressing the widespread problem of bottle reuse in alcohol counterfeiting. With app-free smartphone authentication and real time batch-level product information, the tech is also blockchain compatible, ensuring an immutable product journey.

Praveen Malviya, CEO (IMFL) of Piccadily Agro Industries Ltd, said, “As a brand committed to authenticity and quality, we’re proud to be the first Indian single malt brand to take this bold step.” Praveen noted, “Counterfeit alcohol is a serious issue in India and globally. With ForgeStop’s smart technology, our customers can enjoy Indri with the confidence that what’s in the bottle is exactly what we crafted.”

Unlike static QR codes or holograms, the NFC “tap-and-verify” experience allows consumers to simply tap their smartphones to the bottle for instant verification.

Terry Katz, CEO of ForgeStop, added, “We’re proud to partner with Piccadily Distilleries, a globally recognized brand leading the way in product integrity. With ForgeStop’s smart label technology, consumers can instantly verify authenticity and access product information with a simple tap—no app required.”

India faces one of the world’s highest rates of alcohol counterfeiting, often with dangerous consequences. Piccadily’s adoption of this first-of-its-kind technology sets a new industry benchmark in transparency, safety, and digital innovation.