Thinfilm has announced Kilchoman Distillery Co. as a new customer in the wine and spirits market. An award-winning producer of single-malt whiskey and the first distillery to be established on the Scottish island of Islay in more than 124 years, Kilchoman will use Thinfilm’s NFC solutions to engage with and educate consumers, communicate its brand story and accelerate business growth.

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman has used its “from barley to bottle” message and business model to build the authenticity of its brand and grow a loyal base of whiskey enthusiasts. Its Kilchoman Club offers information, education, product discounts, merchandise and exclusive access to new releases of Kilchoman whiskey.

The company is now looking to enhance engagement with its consumers using Thinfilm’s NFC solutions. Smart hangtags featuring NFC SpeedTap technology will be integrated with bottles of its two flagship whiskies – Machir Bay (IWSC 2016 Best Islay Single-Malt) and Sanaig (IWSC 2016 Best Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey – Non-Age Statement). Initially deployed in the distillery’s larger European markets, SpeedTap tags will allow Kilchoman to initiate one-to-one consumer engagement experiences on-premise, in-store, and at-home – all through the simple tap of a smartphone. Kilchoman will also use Thinfilm’s CNECT platform to manage the delivery of digital content and enhance its overall effectiveness. The cloud-based software system fully integrates with the NFC tags, enabling Kilchoman to monitor real-time tapping activity, analyze campaign effectiveness, and dynamically adjust consumer experiences via a customized CNECT portal.

“We fully recognize the importance of connecting directly with our customers and providing experiences that are informative, educational and interesting,” says Anthony Wills, founder and managing director of Kilchoman Distillery. “Thinfilm’s NFC solution is an ideal way to deliver this content in a seamless and simple format. We believe it will help Kilchoman strengthen existing relationships and establish many new ones.”

“Kilchoman’s unique approach is an integral component of the company’s brand and has generated a significant following among whiskey enthusiasts around the globe,” says Davor Sutija, CEO of Thinfilm. “We are excited they chose our NFC solution to enhance those connections with customers and fuel additional business growth.”