Nextech AR Solutions Corp. (CSE:NTAR, OTCQB:NEXCF, NEO:NTAR) announced the signing of a unique deal with Bothwell Cheese which uses its ARitize CPG to place QR codes to create human holograms on the client’s cheese labels.
The technology can be found on five Bothwell Cheese products distributed at all major retailers and independent stores across Canada such as Whole Foods Market, Save-On-Foods, Sobeys, Federated Co-op, Longos, Loblaws, and more.
“This technology is the future of product interaction with consumers, which distributes product messaging to consumers via hologram in a fun and interactive way,” Nextech said in a statement.
Without requiring any specialized equipment, the ARitize CPG lets brands easily create interactive experiences with smart packaging for POS, online, and in-home to increase confidence, encourage repeat buyers, and reduce returns.
READ: Nextech AR Solutions expands 3D patent portfolio as it files four pivotal non-provisional utility patents
Nextech said the deal showcases the company as a solutions provider in a new industry—food products—and highlights Bothwell Cheese as a forward-thinking brand that is engaging consumers in an innovative way to capture minds and market share.
As a provider of premier artisanal cheese varieties, Bothwell is the first food products provider that Nextech has contracted for its ARitize CPG on its product labels.
“This opens the door to a huge opportunity in the food products/services industry worldwide, as the technology is both engaging and scalable. Nextech has already entered into the food services industry as an augmented reality technology partner with their recent contract with Restaurants Canada,” the company said. “As more businesses both in this industry and others around the globe are looking for unique ways to connect with their customers, Nextech's ARitize CPG offers a unique solution in the marketplace.”
Announced in 2020, Nextech launched its groundbreaking AR human hologram marketing platform. Formerly known as Genie AR/Genie in a Bottle, this product has been rebranded to ARitize CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) and is an augmented reality hologram experience, triggered by a visual anchor such as a QR code placed on product packaging, in-store aisles, or end-cap displays.
Nextech's Aritize CPG is part of the smart packaging market, which Vantage Market Research estimates will reach over $33 billion by 2021.
"This is the first of many exciting augmented reality consumer packaged goods launches happening. We are proud to partner with a great, innovative brand like Bothwell Cheese, who understands the value of these interactive AR experiences and the benefits it brings to both their brand and their consumers,” said Nextech CEO Evan Gappelberg.
“Bothwell Cheese is distributed in hundreds of stores across Canada, meaning our technology and the Bothwell Cheese chef (appearing as a human hologram) will be seen by thousands if not millions of consumers, demonstrating the power of using augmented reality in marketing."
Milena Zekic, marketing manager at Bothwell Cheese, added: "Bothwell Cheese is proud to be the pioneer in leveraging Nextech's ARitize CPG experience on the new line of our lactose-free cheeses. By scanning the QR code on the packaging, consumers will be introduced to Bothwell's own chef John via a floor anchored human hologram, who will walk them through our lactose-free cheese portfolio, and explain the key benefits of our new products. Additionally, consumers will be prompted to download a $1 off digital coupon, that can be redeemed at any store in Canada where the product is listed, along with an option to review the recipes made with our lactose-free cheeses.”
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