A BELFAST IT firm has announced a new ground-breaking partnership with famous Scottish distillery Adelphi’s Ardnamurchan.
Advanced Research Cryptography Ltd (arc-net) is creating a world-first through a unique link-up with the distillery, which it says will revolutionise Scotch whisky exports and safeguard the industry against counterfeits and fraud.
The company - which has developed a Blockchain platform for product and supply chain authentication and security, currently being used by major companies - has now confirmed that Adelphi have placed their latest limited-edition spirit release on arc-net’s platform. This is the first time a Scottish spirit has been fully traceable from field to bottle through Blockchain.
Any buyer of the product will now receive a certificate of authenticity eliminating the risk of fraudulent substitutions that are known to occur in the £5.5 billion whisky and spirit market.
Arc-net CEO, Kieran Kelly said: “Blockchain enables a new era of transparency and product authentication. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with such a forward-thinking company like Adelphi."
Managing director at Adelphi, Alex Brice added: "Adelphi is thrilled to be part of arc-net’s vision to use technology to bring transparency and authenticity to the rapidly growing single malt whisky market. We have a vision for the future and using the platform is an integral component in our ability to capture and share production, process and product data with our customers."
Arc-net was founded by Northern Ireland entrepreneur Kieran Kelly. The company employs more than 20 people across offices in Belfast and Edinburgh as well as San Francisco. Earlier this year, arc-net announced a significant investment in the company by Dr Richard Steeves, a leading investor and former EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year.
