Identiv, ZATAP and Genuine-Analytics Partner to Digitally Authenticate Fine Wines Using Specialized IoT and Blockchain Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

Identiv (NASDAQ: INVE) has partnered with ZATAP and Genuine-Analytics to launch an innovative NFC-based anti-counterfeiting solution for luxury wines. The system combines IoT, blockchain, and content testing technology to verify both wine bottles and their contents. The solution successfully authenticated high-value vintages at a Swiss auction in 2024, including bottles worth over 20,000 Swiss Francs, and detected a counterfeit bottle.

The integrated solution features Identiv's secure NFC inlays with NTAG® 424 DNA TagTamper chips, Genuine-Analytics' scientific content analysis using their winePROOF database, and ZATAP's mobile blockchain interface. Authentication involves testing wine through a microscopic laser-drilled hole, followed by applying a GA Safety Tag to reseal and digitally verify the bottle.

Positive

• Solution successfully detected counterfeit wine at a Swiss auction, proving its effectiveness
• Addresses a significant market need, as wine fraud affects up to 20% of bottles in circulation
• Partnership combines three complementary technologies creating a comprehensive authentication solution
• System can be scaled from luxury to everyday wines, expanding market potential

Negative

• Authentication process requires physically drilling into wine bottles, which may concern some collectors
• Implementation costs and pricing details not disclosed
• Market adoption rate and timeline uncertain

Insights

Technology and IoT Solutions Specialist

Identiv's wine authentication partnership opens potential revenue stream in luxury markets while addressing significant wine counterfeiting problems.

Identiv's new strategic partnership with ZATAP and Genuine-Analytics targets the lucrative fine wine authentication market, where counterfeiting affects up to 20% of bottles in circulation. This represents a smart vertical expansion of Identiv's IoT capabilities into high-margin luxury goods protection.

The solution's technological architecture is particularly compelling – it combines Identiv's tamper-detecting NFC inlays (using NXP's security-certified NTAG® 424 DNA TagTamper chips) with Genuine-Analytics' content verification system and ZATAP's blockchain infrastructure. What makes this approach unique is the authentication of both the container and contents through minimally invasive testing.

The system has already demonstrated real-world effectiveness at a Swiss auction where it successfully identified counterfeit bottles among vintages valued at over 20,000 Swiss Francs. This proof-of-concept in high-value environments indicates the potential market readiness of the solution.

While initial applications target the premium wine segment, the partners explicitly mention scalability to "more everyday vintages," suggesting a long-term strategy to expand beyond luxury applications. This balances immediate revenue potential from high-margin authentication services with longer-term volume opportunities.

For Identiv shareholders, this represents a promising application of the company's core RFID/NFC technology in a specialized market with clear authentication needs and customers willing to pay for protection. The upcoming May 28th webinar should provide additional details on commercialization timelines and market adoption strategy.

Companies will Demo Innovative Wine Authentication Solution in May 28 Webinar on the Future of Wine Authentication

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Identiv, Inc. (NASDAQ: INVE), a global leader in RFID- and BLE-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, introduces a new NFC-based anti-counterfeiting smart packaging solution for luxury wine producers and collectors in collaboration with ZATAP and Genuine-Analytics.

With global wine fraud estimated to impact as much as 20% of bottles in circulation, the partnership between Identiv, ZATAP, and Genuine-Analytics AG is setting a new standard in wine authentication using wireless IoT, digital certificates, and blockchain to verify not just the bottle, but the wine inside.  This next-generation solution combines secure NFC technology, non-invasive content testing, and blockchain-based digital identity, enabling near-instant verification of a wine's authenticity and protecting a brand's value, reputation, and consumer trust.

At a Swiss wine auction in 2024, the partnership's solution successfully authenticated a series of rare, high-value vintages, with some bottles priced at over 20,000 Swiss Francs. It even detected a counterfeit bottle, reinforcing the platform's potential for broader adoption.

"This is the future of wine authentication," said Klaus Simonmeyer, Vice President at Identiv. "With our NFC inlays designed specifically for the unique properties of wine bottles, Genuine-Analytics' groundbreaking analysis of wine contents, and ZATAP's digital twin technology, we're able to confirm not only that a wine bottle is authentic, but so is the wine inside."

A Proven Solution
Each company brings its specific expertise to the solution. This collaboration establishes an immutable digital link between a physical bottle of wine, its contents, and its authenticated, digital twin hosted on an IoT-based blockchain.  The integrated solution includes:

• Identiv's secure NFC inlays, powered by NTAG® 424 DNA TagTamper security-certified chips from trusted IC provider NXP® Semiconductors, are built to detect tampering and link each bottle to its digital identity.
• Genuine-Analytics' scientific content analysis, validated against its proprietary winePROOF database.
• ZATAP's mobile interface communicates with Blockchain infrastructure, providing real-time authentication and provenance data to buyers and sellers.

To authenticate a wine bottle's contents, Genuine-Analytics uses a microscopic laser-drilled hole to test the wine inside the bottle against its proprietary winePROOF database. Once verified, a GA Safety Tag custom-designed by Identiv is applied to reseal the bottle and provide digital proof of authenticity. By securing both the contents and the container, the system creates a new standard for digital trust – one that benefits not only collectors and auction houses, but also wine producers seeking to protect their brand and customers.

"This partnership's goal is to make wine authentication seamless and reliable for everyone," said Dr. Markus Ehrat, CEO of Genuine-Analytics. "Together, we're delivering a complete authentication solution that's scalable and secure, helping the wine industry stay ahead of counterfeiting risks."

David Geisser, CEO of ZATAP, added, "When this solution is applied at the producer level, it can scale to include any wine, from luxury wines to more everyday vintages."

Leaders from Identiv, Genuine-Analytics AG, and ZATAP will co-host a webinar, "The Future of Wine Authentication," on May 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM PDT/6 PM CET. The webinar will include a live demo of the wine authentication application. To attend, please register here.

About Identiv
Identiv's full-circle RFID-enabled IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. Its solutions, integrated into over 1.5 billion applications worldwide, drive innovation across healthcare, consumer electronics, luxury goods, smart packaging, and more. For additional information, visit identiv.com.

Identiv Media Contact:
Sophie Pearson
Identiv, Inc.
spearson@identiv.com

ZATAP Media Contact:
David Geisser
ZATAP
geisser@collectid.net

Genuine-Analytics AG Media Contact:
Dr. Markus Ehrat
Genuine-Analytics AG
markus.ehrat@genuine-analytics.ch

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SOURCE Identiv

FAQ

What is Identiv's (INVE) new wine authentication technology?

Identiv's solution combines NFC inlays, content testing, and blockchain technology to authenticate both wine bottles and their contents, using secure chips, microscopic testing, and digital certificates.

How does Identiv's (INVE) wine authentication system verify wine authenticity?

The system uses a microscopic laser-drilled hole to test wine against Genuine-Analytics' winePROOF database, then applies a secure NFC-enabled GA Safety Tag to reseal and digitally verify the bottle.

What problem does Identiv's (INVE) wine authentication solution address?

The solution addresses wine fraud, which affects up to 20% of bottles in circulation, by providing a way to verify both the authenticity of wine bottles and their contents.

Has Identiv's (INVE) wine authentication technology been proven effective?

Yes, the solution successfully authenticated high-value vintages at a 2024 Swiss wine auction, including bottles worth over 20,000 Swiss Francs, and successfully detected a counterfeit bottle.

When will Identiv (INVE) demonstrate their wine authentication solution?

Identiv will demonstrate the wine authentication solution in a webinar titled 'The Future of Wine Authentication' on May 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM PDT/6 PM CET.