ALC Label: Thought Leadership on Digital Labelling

Blockchain and Smart Labels: Revolutionizing Product Authentication and Consumer Engagement

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:21:31 GMT

Did you know that the global market for smart labels is projected to reach $31.4 billion by 2027? This rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for smart labels that offer advanced tracking and authentication solutions across various industries. As this technology evolves, Blockchain is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance its capabilities and security, creating a synergy that promises to transform supply chain management, product authentication, and consumer engagement through innovative solutions.

“Blockchain and Smart Labels” explores the convergence of these two innovative technologies, examining how their combination addresses longstanding challenges and unlocks new opportunities. By integrating Blockchain with smart labels, businesses can achieve unprecedented levels of transparency, traceability, and trust throughout their supply chains and in their interactions with consumers, assuring customers of the authenticity and origin of their products.

SECURE

RELIABLE

TRANSPARENT

DECENTRALIZED

As we delve deeper into this topic, we’ll explore case studies, technological challenges, and future prospects of blockchain-enabled smart labels across various sectors. This integration represents not just an incremental improvement over the traditional labels but a paradigm shift in how we track, verify, and interact with products in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

What are the benefits of Blockchain and Smart Labels?

Applying Blockchain technology, product data, and smart labels offer significant benefits for your brand. Consumers are increasingly demanding more provenance information, which offers transparency, particularly in regard to food safety, and this demand is expected to grow. These technologies also enhance operational efficiency by optimizing inventory management and facilitating real-time tracking. Below, we will tell you about 7 of them.

Drive greater transparency
Validate credentials and certifications
Improve trust and your relationship with your customers
Reduce wine counterfeiting
Drive loyalty and customer engagement
Cost-effectiveness of smart labels
Add extra value to your clients
Enhanced Traceability
Efficient Recall Management
Streamlined Supply Chain Operations

Let’s dive into each one of the Top 10 benefits.

1. Drive greater transparency

Blockchain applications and smart tags offer unprecedented transparency for customers. For instance, AgriDigital, a blockchain-based platform, allows consumers and producers to track products throughout the supply chain, including their storage conditions and transport conditions. This is particularly crucial in the food and beverage industry, where consumers demand detailed provenance information.

Case Study: Greenfence, another blockchain platform, enables companies to identify and certify the people, processes, and locations involved in a product's production. This level of transparency is especially valuable in the wine industry, where authenticity and origin significantly impact a product's value.

2. Validate credentials and certifications

Blockchain technology is set to revolutionize product certification verification. Traditional methods, such as paper banderoles on wine bottles, are becoming obsolete due to their vulnerability to counterfeiting. With the blockchain ledger, all certifications and credentials can be authenticated and confirmed by the issuing authority, ensuring the integrity of the information.

3. Improve Trust and Customer Relationships

The non-repudiation feature of Blockchain makes it virtually impossible for end users to forge information recorded from data stored on the ledger. This creates an unbroken chain of custody for products, significantly enhancing consumer trust.

Case Study: As Oliver Betz, general manager of SAP Innovative Business Solutions, notes, "The label supports the consumer's need to know and reinforces their faith in the brands they trust." This is particularly important in industries like fine wines, where traditional label and provenance directly affects value and consumer confidence.

4. Reduce wine counterfeiting

Smart labels combined with blockchain technology provide a powerful tool to combat product fraud. In the wine industry, for example, these technologies can provide consumers with crucial data such as the date and place of packaging, winery name, and wine components.

Case Study: While not a perfect solution, this approach significantly reduces the risk of counterfeiting, especially post-production. Technology helps ensure that what consumers are drinking is 100% authentic, a critical factor in the alcohol industry where counterfeiting has had a significant and persistent impact.

5. Drive Loyalty and Customer Engagement

Some innovative companies are using smart labels to create unique customer engagement opportunities.

Case Study: Wine producers have implemented peel-and-reveal QR code labels that, when scanned, deposit information into a CRM database. This allows for personalized loyalty programs, such as the one offered by REM Loyalty, where customers can earn rewards based on their purchases and redeem them for various benefits, including gift cards, travel, or even transfers to friends and family.

6. Cost-Effectiveness of Smart Labels

While the initial production cost of smart labels may be higher than traditional labels, they offer long-term cost savings. Digital modifications to the label and product information, such as price changes, can be made without the need to produce new physical labels.

7. Add Extra Value for Clients

Smart labels, powered by Blockchain, allow brands to offer additional content and experiences to consumers.

Case Study: Wineries can use smart labels to share videos about their history or the story behind a particular wine name. They can also offer exclusive discounts to loyal customers who scan the QR codes on the smart label tags, creating a more engaging and personalized customer experience.

8. Enhanced Traceability

Blockchain's immutable ledger, combined with smart labels, allows for highly secure, tamper-proof tracking of products from the manufacturer to the end user in real-time. This is particularly valuable in industries like pharmaceuticals and food, where provenance is critical.

9. Efficient Recall Management

In the event of a product recall, the combination of Blockchain and smart labels enables rapid, precise identification and tracking of affected items, minimizing costs and potential harm. Gone should be the days of manually registering lot numbers with a regulator and looking to identify where in the distribution network the product in the named lot is located.

10. Streamlined Supply Chain Operations

Real-time data from smart labels, securely stored and shared via Blockchain, can optimize inventory management, reduce waste, and improve overall supply chain efficiency in the logistics industry.

Final thoughts

Applying Blockchain technology and digital product labels to the production of goods by your company, such as food products, will allow you to generate a much more transparent and reliable image for your consumers, giving you a higher rate of customer engagement. This is because, thanks to the possibility of storing data in these digital technologies, they will be much more informed about your product's journey and the processes carried out. That enables them to make more informed purchasing decisions.

However, the benefits of implementing cutting-edge technology do not end there. New technologies, such as Blockchain, offer the opportunity to track your products and assure customers they know where they are in the supply chain and how many you have in stock. This will not only help supply chain specialists implement more efficient strategies but, ultimately, give you greater control over your products and future.

How to Design and Generate a QR Code Label

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 17:23:47 GMT

QR codes are increasingly more popular. We used them in all facets of life and business. Their utility, while very simple, is quite effective in converting a visual representation of pixels into a weblink where more information can be accessed on demand. They also have a much smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional labels.

This rise in popularity has been aided by smartphone ubiquity. Consumers are expecting a higher level of transparency. As a result, regulators are stepping in, requiring companies to drive greater disclosures and accelerate the transition. And rightfully so!

QR codes are the equivalent of a double-click of your computer mouse but in the physical world. And having your own QR code in each label will allow you to inform and connect with your customer. So why not use them to power up your business?

What are the benefits of QR codes for alcohol brands?

Numerous. They are a bridge from the physical to the virtual world. They pave the way for customer engagement.

One of the most common QR code use cases is when you want to promote your brand, making it stand out from the rest. A code scan by a potential buyer is enough to access different types of information, such as:

Detailed technical sheets
History of your brand
People behind your brand
Your methods of production
Your environmental and sustainability practices
Suggested recipes and pairing recommendations
… and much more

It is just a matter of time before we permanently live in a hybrid physical-meta world. A code scan will allow you to immerse yourself in augmented reality (AR) at the winery or the vineyard before transitioning to virtual reality. For this reason, we thing that qr code usage will increase in the future, and that it will be key for marketing campaigns.

But let’s get back to the present. It is necessary to consider several factors when designing a QR code label. This article will explore the factors you should consider when creating QR code labels.

How to create a QR code label for your alcohol product?

Below we will outline the Top 8 factors to consider if you want to create qr codes for your labels:

Outcome: Decide on the outcome that you are seeking. What are you trying to accomplish? Is QR code the best way to achieve the outcome?
Size: If you want to create qr code labels, ensure your labels are large enough for the QR codes. Common-size labels would be more cost-effective than custom-size labels. A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 1x1 cm of space for the QR code. This way, the phone will have no trouble scanning it.
Positioning: After choosing the size of the label, you must decide where to place the QR code. You should not put the code in certain places, for example, near the edges (if your label has curved edges), as it will make it difficult to scan the code. Instead, a good place is in the top or bottom right of the label, as it will be easier to scan the code there.
Contrast: Envision the various possible scan situations. Low light is the enemy of scans. As such, design the label and give the QR Code Image as much contrast as possible. Ideally, if the QR code is black, it should have a white background and vice versa.
Reference Link: Decide where to link the code: your website, a detailed technical sheet, more information about your brand, carbon footprint or other sustainability disclosures, and so forth.
Workflow, Analytics and Management: Not all solutions are equal. If ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ is all you seek, then any QR code generator will work. However, if you are looking for a solution that will provide you with: i) optionality on where to direct the links; ii) scan statistics; iii) integration with other tools; iv) tailored information to your specific brand and industry �� Then opt for a solution like ALCLabel.com
Solution: Many free and paid solutions allow you to create your QR code, such as the QR Code Generator by Bitly, Go QR or QRCo.de . But those have serious limitations as they are intended for static QR codes. Therefore, evaluate various solutions based on what best addresses the outcome that you are seeking.
Generate: Generate the QR code and embed it in your product label.

Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes

One thing you should keep in mind when printing your QR code is that there are two types of QR codes:

Static: Allows you to link the QR code once. It does not give you the possibility to overwrite where the QR code reference link. For example, a static QR code may be an adequate solution to promote your brand's website. It is unlikely that the reference link will change.
Dynamic: Allows you to modify the QR code reference link. For example, suppose you want to point the QR code to dynamic web pages or include a spreadsheet with all the relevant information about your wines. In that case, use dynamic QR codes, as they allow you to modify them as often as you need to add or change data in the spreadsheet.

What does the future hold for labelling?

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform is an important leading indicator for the future of labelling. In 2023, we will see labels as a combination of the following:

physical, on the bottle label with the basic mandatory information and a visual to stand out and carry the brand
virtual, via a QR code, that provides detailed information simultaneously in the 26 European languages.

Our conversations with the regulators show a strong desire for standards harmonization. It is a matter of time before we see this play outside the European Economic Area in North America and other Commonwealth countries.

What you need to know about printed QR code labels

Remember that when designing and printing your QR code labels, you should opt for the highest possible quality so smartphones can read the code easily. Therefore, it is best to print it in a suitable format (e.g. PNG or PDF), using a high-resolution (300dpi) suitable for printing to ensure the lines are crisp. Refer to our guide on “How to print a QR Code Label” for in-depth information on print considerations.

Final thoughts

QR codes are a new and increasingly popular way to promote products. Alcohol products, like wine, beer, and spirits, are no exception. Starting in 2023, the new European regulations require all alcohol products marketed in European countries to be labelled with a QR label code to drive transparency and disclosures.

But why not seize the opportunity? Give your customers more information about your products. This information is valuable when making a buying decision.

The more a customer can connect with your brand, the higher engagement. And engagement leads to longevity and success!

How to print a QR code label

Wed, 01 May 2024 17:30:28 GMT

Having a QR code label on your wine or other alcohol products enables your potential customers to unlock additional information about your wines or winery. The only thing they need to do is scan the QR code! Some of the information they will be able to access is:

Once the QR code labels are scanned, your customers can easily access rich data about your products. In addition to the government-mandated information, your customers can access your product technical sheet. This article will explain everything you need to know to create your QR code label.

Generate a QR Code

A number of options are available to you:

Online QR Code Generator

There are a number of paid and free online QR code generators. This generator will allow you to edit the image and choose the information you want to display when a person scans the code. Then, you can export the QR code image as a PDF file and print the QR code label.

Pro: Easy to use and many of them offer a free option
Con: You are beholden and limited to the information that you can enter. Scan statistics are on a paid plan. The information captured typically resides on a third-party server and is not alcohol-specific limiting the information's usability.

Label Maker Software

You could use a label maker to create and customize your label with a QR code.

Pro: This alternative can be the best option to give a particular imprint to each wine.
Con: More expensive. Could be quite time-consuming. Label design is limited to the functionality offered by the label maker software. You will have to invest more money in either a specific printer or label stock.

alclabel.com

For companies in the alcohol industry, this provides the best value-for-money options.

Pro: Specific to the alcohol industry. Provides you with data-rich statistics on scans. Allows you to connect the QR code to your Technical Sheet. Allows you easily roll forward a QR code from one vintage to the next.
Con: Specific to the alcohol industry.

Once you have generated a QR code for the individual product, download the QR code image and associate it with its respective product in Microsoft Excel , Google Sheets , Airtable or the dedicated product management software of your choice.

Refer to our guide on "How to design and generate a QR code label"

Embed QR Code on Back Label

This step is highly dependent upon your workflow, bottling and labelling process. Using imaging software, embed the QR code as part of the back label. Whether you are doing it yourself or working with a designer, the sky is the limit on creative ways to make it seamlessly fit on the label and enhance your brand.

Steps to Print a Label

The process for printing a QR code label is relatively easy.

1. DIY

If you are printing the labels yourself, or for smaller print runs, follow your existing process for printing labels.

2. Print Company

For professional results, or for larger print runs, use a Print Company. The cost per label is lower as the set-up costs are distributed across a greater number of labels. The Print Company will specify the label requirements, like print resolution, bleeds, colour scheme (CMYK), number of colours, material, etc. This option unlocks unlimited creativity and options for the labels. However, bear in mind that the more unique your asks, the higher will be the cost per label. If you are on a budget, always opt out for common sizes and one or two colours.

Final thoughts

Creating and printing QR codes is the easiest way to increase your brand visibility in 2022. The Food and Beverage regulators of many countries are in the process of introducing labelling regulations to drive increased transparency for alcohol products.

Having a QR, smart, label unlocks a ton of benefits. In addition to maintaining regulatory compliance, your customers will be able to learn more about your product and connect with your brand. The only thing they need is a mobile phone.

How to read an Italian wine label

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:43:56 GMT

Whether you're a wine lover or just looking to buy a bottle, knowing how to read an Italian wine label can make a big difference in informing your choice. This article will teach you how to read an Italian wine label and give you the confidence to make the best purchase possible.

Mandatory Terms on an Italian wine label

There are some terms that all bottles of Italian wine must include on their labels:

The producer’s name
The name of the product (wine) name,
The size of the bottle (750ml, 1l, etc.),
The level of alcohol
Type of wine (still, sparkling)
Color of the wine (red, white, orange)
Sulphites disclosure.

Descriptive Terms on Italian Wine Labels

Many wineries choose to include additional terms to help better inform the wine consumer about the purchase choice they are making. Some other terms you can find on the wine label are vineyard and winery. The label may also indicate the grape variety used or even the aromas of the wine or the best food pairing.

Most Italian wine labels will also include the appellation, the vintage and the grapes used.

The term "appellation" is often used to describe the region where the grapes are grown. Italy has the highest number of regions and sub-regions in the world of any country in the world. Learn more about Italy and its wine regions at www.vinerra.com .
The wine vintage refers to the year of the grapes' harvest and not the year in which the wine was released.
Finally, grapes refer to the variety of grapes used. As wine quality levels rise, the type of grapes used becomes more and more specific.

It is important to remember that a wine with a different vintage will be slightly different from a wine with the same vintage.

Wines may also be classified by their grape varietal. Italy has the most grape varieties, with over 3,000 indigenous varietals in addition to all the clonal types and the international varietals. If you are interested in learning more, we highly recommend Ian d’Agata’s book Native Wine Grapes of Italy .

Another term you will always find on labels is the name of the winery that produced the wine. This is usually located in the center of the front wine label.

The Italian Quality Pyramid

Now, what is the quality classification for Italian wines, and what are the characteristics of each?

All Italian wines can be included in one of the Italian government-approved classifications. These classifications are based on different aspects of the wines, such as:

The grape variety
The region where the grapes were produced
The appellation of origin
The vintage

These classifications help determine the taste and quality of a wine. Although inspired by the French system, this classification system has a crucial difference: the Italian system has 2 DOC categories, while France has only 1.

Now, why should you know the Italian classification system? When buying your next wine, keeping it in mind will give you a general idea of what you should expect from that wine. Although, as we will see later, a higher or lower classification does not imply that a wine will be better or worse.

The French AOC appellation system inspires the classification system for Italian wines. We will now discuss the four most common quality levels for Italian wines.

Vino da Tavola

The name Vino da Tavola means "table wine.” These wines are usually intended for daily consumption. Although they are typically not intended for aging, this wine may surprise you, as we will see below.

VDT, according to the government classification, is the lowest quality category of Italian wines. However, you should only sometimes be guided by this preconception. Many producers make high-quality wines and label them as VDT, as this classification is not as regulated as the others; therefore, they have greater freedom to shape each wine. Without going any further, you will find incredible natural or biodynamic wines in this category.

IGT

The Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) is another of the most common categories within Italian wines and is the largest category of all. This category, introduced in 1992, is the second lowest category of Italian wine classification. The IGT focuses on two aspects of the wines:

Geographical indication.
The grape variety, which must be indicated on the label. Also, at least 85% of the grapes must come from the same geographical area.

While it may seem that IGT wines are of inferior quality, this may be a misconception in many cases. This is because, as with the Vino da Tavola classification, the IGT category gives greater freedom to producers, for example, to design blends with Italian grapes blended with Italian grapes.

DOC

The Denominazione di Origine Controlata (DOC) is a category introduced in 1963 and is the second-highest quality level of Italian wines. In this category, various rules on the production and aging of wines are included. Among the most important regulations, we can find:

The type of wines that can be produced (such as Rosso Riserva or Vendemmia Tardiva wines).
The quantity of grapes that can be produced per hectare.
The grape varieties that can be used to produce the wines.
The alcoholic strength of the wine
The aging time of each wine

In this type of wine, you will find several indications on the label, for example:

Name of the winery
Grape variety
Name of the regional wine group that produced the grapes (known as Consorzio).
Name of the Member State from which the grapes come from

DOCG

The Denominazione di Origine Controllata is considered the highest quality category and is, therefore, the strictest of the regulations that each wine must comply with. Among the most important regulations are the following:

All wines in this category must have been in the DOC category for at least seven years.
No wine in this category may be bottled in a container with more than 6 litres capacity.
In addition, DOCG wines must first undergo an organoleptic and tasting analysis to control the level of alcohol and acidity of each wine.
Moreover, DOCG wines must use specific grape varieties from the designated growing area.

Currently, wines can be classified within this category in 70 Italian regions. If a wine meets all the requirements, the bottle is given a red seal on the foil (issued by the government) and a numbered seal on the label.

However, as mentioned above, you should not be guided to buy a wine just because it is in this category. There are many examples, such as the Super Tuscan wines, where producers decided not to follow the DOC or DOCG rules because they felt these took away their freedom to produce unique wines.

An excellent example of a DOCG wine is Brunello di Montalcino. All wines of this designation must be made from grapes grown at an altitude of no more than 1,960 feet. In addition, they must be aged for at least four years and have at least 12.5% alcohol.

In addition to these four denominations, others are more particular. Here we will talk about 2 of them: Riserva and Passito.

Riserva

This designation refers exclusively to the number of years a wine has been aged. Generally, an Italian wine must have been aged for at least two years to qualify for this appellation. Of course, some wines have special regulations:

For example, Barolo Riserva wines must be aged for at least five years to achieve this appellation.
On the other hand, Chianti Riserva wines must be aged for at least 27 months.

Passito

Finally, the Passito appellation is used only for wines produced by the method of the same name.

First, the grapes are harvested before they reach the maximum period of ripeness. In this way, the concentration of sugars is higher.
Then, the grapes are dried by placing them on straw mats and leaving them in the sunlight, although many producers prefer to put them in closed places with windows open to increase ventilation. Depending on the type of Passito (some of them are Recioto, Vin Santo and Picolit), the grapes can lose between 10 and 60% humidity.
After this process, it is time for fermentation, which can take several years. This is usually done in wooden barrels.
Finally, the wine is left to age and then bottled.

The result is a very sweet wine, so they are usually chosen as dessert wines. They also have a higher alcohol content than other styles of wine. On the other hand, thanks to their aging, they can develop a more intense flavour.

Final Thoughts

Although the classification system for the most common Italian wines is relatively simple, it can be challenging to comprehend if you are not well-versed in the terminology. However, this should not discourage you from enjoying some of the finest wines the country has to offer, including the legendary Barolo and the sweet Passito. While it is essential to understand the different quality levels, one does not necessarily have to limit their enjoyment of a particular wine because of its classification. So, don't be intimidated by the classifications - with a little research, you can explore the vast world of Italian wine and find the perfect bottle to suit your tastes.

Use this classification as a guide when buying wine from Italy. Not as an absolute. You could be in for a surprise, as has happened before with Super Tuscan wines. Each category has characteristics. Use the Italian wine quality pyramid as just a guide. Many of these rules are archaic and producers work tirelessly to change them and evolve. You could find your next favourite wine in each category. If in doubt, ask your local purveyor of fine wine what they recommend.

How to read a Portuguese wine label

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 10:10:58 GMT

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking to buy a bottle, there are certain things you should be looking for when reading a Portuguese wine label. These things will help you make the right buying decision.

How to Decode the Front Label

Portuguese wine varies greatly in style and packaging. The labels will give you important clues to decode what’s inside the bottle.

Below are six things you can expect to find on the front label of a Portuguese wine bottle.

Producer

You can find the name of the producing winery on the top or bottom of the front of the bottle. In addition, the label may include additional terms that refer to the place and size of production:

The expressions Quinta or Herdade are used to refer to a rural estate that produces wine. Quinta is traditionally used in the north and Herdade in the south of Portugal.
On the other hand, Adega appears on the label when the wine is produced by a commercial winery.

Quinta, Herdade and Adega are often included as part of a winery’s name.

Origin (or Origem)

Portugal has 13 wine regions . Each region is governed by a Comissão Vitivinicola Regional (CVR), a vine and wine commission for a specific region. There are 31 DOC and 14 Vinho Regional.

The Appellation of Origin refers to the place where the grapes were grown. Some famous examples of Appellations of Origin are:

Vinho Verde: the main grape varieties used for this appellation are Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura and Pederna for Vinhos Verdes Blancos and Azal, Vinhao and Espadeiro to produce Vinhos Verdes Tintos.
Vinho Historico de Madeira: this appellation has a particularity, and that is that the varieties Malmsey (Malvasia), Azal, Vinhao and Espadeiro can only be used if at least 85% of the grapes used are of that variety.
Vinho Historico de Setabul: in this case, only three varieties are allowed to be included in the DOC, Moscatel de Setubal, Moscatel do Douro and Moscatel Roxo.

Quality Classification

Like many other European countries, Portugal has a quality classification system for its wines. The CVR determines the specific rules that a wine has to adhere to in order for wine to be classified as VR or DOC:

Vinho de Mesa or just Vinho: translated as table wine, is the lowest category in the Portuguese classification system. Generally, there are no references to the region or the type of grapes used.
Vinho Regional (VR): the translation is Regional Wine. It is a widely used category because although it indicates better quality than a Vinho de mesa, it has fewer regulations than the higher categories. For example, for Vinho de Lagar Rupestre, a Vinho Regional Trasmontano, the vineyards must be at least 20 years old.
Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC): is the highest classification level for Portuguese wines. Wines must not only be made in a specific region but must also conform to different regulations.
Indicação de Proveniência Regulamentada (IPR)*: The Indication of Regulated Provenance category was more common in the 1990s for regions still waiting to obtain the DOC appellation. It is the designation given to wines that, although enjoying particular characteristics, will have to comply with all the rules established for the production of high-quality wines for a minimum period of five years in order to then be able to move on to DOC status.

Wine is undergoing a renaissance. The proverbial baton is passed from one generation to the next. Many young winemakers are taking over from their parents or entering the wine business with a vision of what they want to make. While tradition is important, they don't want to be restricted by rules. They sometimes opt to label their wines as just Vinho rather than VR or DOC. This gives them greater creative expression. If in doubt, ask your local purveyor of Portuguese wine to recommend a bottle.

Wine Styles

Some of the specific terms included on the label, that denote style, are:

Vinho Branco: White Wine
Vinho Palhete: Claret Wine
Vinho Rosé: Rosé Wine
Vinho Tinto: Red Wine
Vinho Espumante: Sparkling Wine
Vinho Biodinâmico: Biodynamic Wine
Vinho Natural: Natural Wine
Vinho Orgânico: Organic Wine
Vinhoverde: Vinho Verde
Vinho Generoso/Licoroso: Fortified Wine.
Vinho Pico Açores: These are typically fortified wines from the Azores, unless the wine naturally achieves 16% ABV.
Vinho Biscoitos: Fortified wines from one of the Azores islands producing wines under the Denominação de Origem Protegida - Biscoitos.
Vinho Tranquilo: Still/table wine.
Vinho Varietal: Wine made from a single varietal.
Vinho do Porto: Port
Vinho da Madeira: Madeira
Vinho Moscatel: Moscatel

Wine Agriculture

Discover the meaning of the most common wine agriculture terms that appear on the label:

Vinha: Vineyard
Vinha Velha: Old Vineyard
Vindima: Wine harvest
Casta: Grape Variety
Viticultor: Viticulturist
Vinicultor: Winegrower

Vintage and Aging

In Portugal, different terms are used to refer to the vintage year. However, these are the most common ones found on labels:

NV or Non-Vintage: the product is a blend of grape juice obtained in different years.
Colheita: refers to the vintage, date of harvest.
Ano de Colheita: refers to the vintage year.
Colheita Tardia: refers to late-harvest wines. It is also an official designation for DOC and Vinho Regional wines.
Idade: refers to the age of the wine.
Vinho Velho: refers to a red wine that has been aged for three years or a white or rosé that has been aged for two years.
Reserva: refers to a vintage wine with at least 0.5% of the legal minimum alcohol content, aged between 12 and 24 months.
Super Reserva: refers to a wine that has been aged between 24 and 36 months prior to release.
Velha/Grande Reserva: refers to a wine aged for more than 36 months.
Garrafeira: refers to wines with very specific aging requirements. In the case of red wines, they must be aged at least two years in a barrel and one year in a bottle. On the other hand, white and rosé wines must be aged at least one year in a barrel and six months in a bottle.

Grape Varieties (Castas in Portuguese)

Portugal is a country rich in indigenous grape varieties. There are more than 250 native grape varieties, plus many of the internationals can be found thriving in the country. Such great diversity enables the production of wines with distinct personalities and unique characters.

The primary white varietals are: Alvarinho, Arinto, Encruzado, Fernão Pires / Maria Gomes, Antão Vaz, Bical, Fonte cal, Gouveio, Loureiro, Malvasia fina, Moscatel de Setúbal, Rabigato, Síria, Trajadura, Verdelho, Viosinho.

The primary red varietals are: Aragonez / Tinta Roriz, Baga, Castelão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Moreto, Moscatel Galego Roxo, Ramisco, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Caiada, Tinto Cão, Tinta Negra, Vinhão.

As per the CVR, if the label specifies a grape varietal, the wine should contain at least 85% of this varietal.

How to Decode the Back Label

Sulphites

Sulphites are commonly used to control fermentation and are an everyday preserver in most food and beverage products. The European regulations, as well as those of many other countries, require that wines containing more than 10 mg of sulphites per litre must have the statement ''Contains sulphites'' on the label.

Residual Sugar

The residual sugar of wine is generally measured in grams per litre and results from the natural grape sugars remaining in the wine after fermentation. The residual sugar will allow you to estimate the sweetness of the wine: the more residual sugar, the sweeter the wine will be.

Seco (Dry): Wines with less than 4 g/l of residual sugar
Bruto (Brut): In the case of sparkling wines, wines sugar dosage of less than 12g/l.
Meio Seco (Medium Dry): Champagne, sparkling and semi-sparkling wines with a residual sugar content between 33 g/l and 50 g/l
Doce (Sweet): A sweet wine that contains more than 50 g/l of residual sugar.

Final Thoughts

Now that y ou know how to read a Portuguese wine label, it's time to enjoy an intense and sweet Port or a classic fortified Madeira wine. However, remember not to be entirely guided by the quality level: even a Vinho Regional could surprise you!

What are QR Code Wine Labels?

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:18:55 GMT

The QR code (or Quick Response code) has been in use since 1994 in various industries, such as food and automotive. QR codes reached mass adoption in 2017 and practically became ubiquitous in 2020 with the COVID pandemic. With this some of the change barriers came crashing down allowing wine producers to tap into new ways of connecting with their customers. This article will explain what a QR code is, its uses in the wine industry, and the benefits of including it on the back wine label, for both producers and consumers.

What is a QR code label for Wine?

Generally, a QR code is a barcode printed on a light background to make it easier to distinguish. The primary function of this code is to direct the person who scanned it to a particular site. For example, if you include it on the back label of a wine, the QR code can fulfill different functions:

The most common is to take the customer to the winery's website.
Another function it can serve is to allow the customer to access other consumers' opinions about the wine, such as the winery's website.
It can also give customers access to a link with a promotional video or exclusive content.

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) mandates that wine and other alcohol products are equipped with a QR code label. The regulation comes into effect in 2023 and is intended to drive greater product transparency with consumers. Some of the aspects to be included in the QR codes are:

country of origin
wine category
alcohol by volume (ABV)
residual sugar (RS)
full ingredients information
caloric and energy information
warning messages to avoid excessive wine consumption
sustainability certification
... and much more
One thing to keep in mind is that the new regulations don´t allow producers to include marketing information next to the nutritional information.

What are the benefits of a QR code label for wines?

Using QR codes on your wine labels can bring many benefits for both consumers and you. Yes, the regulatory requirements drive greater information transparency. But you don’t have to limit yourself to just the regulatory-mandated information.

Use the CAP Reform to your advantage and create a connection with your customers:

Provide pairing recommendations
Take your customers to landing pages or social media of your brand.
Talk about your sustainability practices
Avail information about the winery and the people behind it
Personalize the experience and offer exclusive discounts

For producers, including a QR code on every bottle also has many benefits:

Reduces labelling cost as you don’t need to affix a different back label for every export country
Increases order fulfilment velocity as you no longer need to relabel the product before you prepare it for shipment
Reduces carbon footprint as it requires less paper and less energy
Although you are not allowed to track the identity of the scanner (i.e. the person scanning the label), you can analyze scans to gain insights into how your products perform in the different markets.

What are the Alternatives to Generate QR Codes?

In the ever-evolving world of QR code technology, numerous solutions have emerged, catering to a wide range of needs from the most basic static qr code to highly customizable, dynamic QR codes.

For instance, platforms like Scanova offer robust features including encryption, bulk generation, and extensive customization, which can be incredibly beneficial for businesses looking to generate QR codes and integrate them into their marketing strategies.

On the other hand, QRCode-Tiger provides a user-friendly way to create both static and dynamic QR codes, emphasizing ease of use for personalizing QR codes and ensuring they perform well through rigorous scan tests.

On the other hand, Lightning Labels focuses on crafting custom QR code labels, recommending considerations like choosing between dynamic or static QR codes based on the intended use, and suggesting design tips to enhance brand recognition and customer interaction. For those who prefer a straightforward approach, Avery offers a range of QR code label sizes and customizable options to suit different packaging needs, ensuring high-quality, scan-ready QR codes.

Among these diverse options, ALC Label stands out as a premier QR code solution. ALC Label is a service company that creates, hosts and displays electronic labels for your wine or alcoholic products. The big difference with previously mentioned solutions is that our user friendly platform provides you with QR Codes that are ready to be applied in each label by your label designer (or us, if you don´t ahve one), as well as with separate and detailed technical sheets. This way, when a customer scans your QR Code with a smartphone, he can have easy access to the information of your product.

Final Thoughts

The wine industry is constantly changing, and so are its consumers. Novel ways of promoting wines and connecting with customers are emerging . And one of those new ways, which has become much more popular in recent years among wine brands, is the QR code on the label.

Including QR codes on your labels will allow you to connect better with your potential customers, making it more likely that they will get to know your brand. Also, they will learn more valuable information, like the practices you use to produce your wines or what other customers think about your winery. And, of course, more data means there will be more chances that a customer will stay loyal to your brand.

But that is not the only benefit: you will also be able to adapt to the new EU regulations to market your wines to the EU countries. Your wine brand can enter new markets, reach new consumers, and stay competitive.

So, if you want to offer your consumers as much knowledge as possible about a specific wine, such as tasting notes, the best food pairings or aspects of your brand's history, it's time to take a big step into the future, with the help of QR codes.

ALC Label: Thought Leadership on Digital Labelling

Blockchain and Smart Labels: Revolutionizing Product Authentication and Consumer Engagement

What are the benefits of Blockchain and Smart Labels?

1. Drive greater transparency

2. Validate credentials and certifications

3. Improve Trust and Customer Relationships

4. Reduce wine counterfeiting

5. Drive Loyalty and Customer Engagement

6. Cost-Effectiveness of Smart Labels

7. Add Extra Value for Clients

8. Enhanced Traceability

9. Efficient Recall Management

10. Streamlined Supply Chain Operations

Final thoughts

How to Design and Generate a QR Code Label

What are the benefits of QR codes for alcohol brands?

How to create a QR code label for your alcohol product?

Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes

What does the future hold for labelling?

What you need to know about printed QR code labels

Final thoughts

The more a customer can connect with your brand, the higher engagement. And engagement leads to longevity and success!

How to print a QR code label

Generate a QR Code

Online QR Code Generator

Label Maker Software

alclabel.com

Embed QR Code on Back Label

Steps to Print a Label

1. DIY

2. Print Company

Final thoughts

How to read an Italian wine label

Mandatory Terms on an Italian wine label

Descriptive Terms on Italian Wine Labels

The Italian Quality Pyramid

Vino da Tavola

IGT

DOC

DOCG

Riserva

Passito

Final Thoughts

How to read a Portuguese wine label

How to Decode the Front Label

Producer

Origin (or Origem)

Quality Classification

Wine Styles

Wine Agriculture

Vintage and Aging

Grape Varieties (Castas in Portuguese)

How to Decode the Back Label

Sulphites

Residual Sugar

Final Thoughts

What are QR Code Wine Labels?

What is a QR code label for Wine?

What are the benefits of a QR code label for wines?

﻿ What are the Alternatives to Generate QR Codes?

Final Thoughts

What are the Alternatives to Generate QR Codes?