Human holograms: Bothwell Cheese introduces its chef via Nextech’s augmented reality label tech

22 Apr 2022 --- Nextech, a metaverse company and augmented reality (AR) experience technologies provider, has signed a deal with Bothwell Cheese, which uses Nextech’s ARitize CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) to place a QR code triggered and floor anchored hologram on its cheese labels.

This experience, which shows human holograms from the cheese packaging, can be found on five Bothwell Cheese products distributed at all major retailers and independent stores across Canada, including Whole Foods Market, Save-On-Foods, Sobeys, Federated Co-op, Longos and Loblaws. 

“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,” explains Milena Zekic, marketing manager at Bothwell Cheese.

“This unique marketing tool will bring consumers one step closer to our new product line, helping them get educated on our cheeses while enjoying the premium taste and quality of our products.”

Consumer interaction 
Nextech says the technology is “the future of product interaction with consumers” and distributes product messaging to consumers via hologram in a fun and interactive way.

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 without requiring any specialized equipment. An example of the Nextech AR human hologram.

Nextech says its partnership with Bothwell Cheese showcases food products as a new area for its solutions. 

“This opens the door to a huge opportunity in the food products or services industry worldwide, as the technology is both engaging and scalable. 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,” says the company. 

AR in packaging
Nextech launched its AR human hologram marketing platform in 2020, formerly known as Genie AR/Genie in a Bottle, before rebranding it as ARitize CPG. 

Nextech’s Aritize CPG is part of the Smart Packaging market, which research estimates will reach over US$33 billion by 2021 with a CAGR of 12%.

Evan Gappelberg, CEO of Nextech AR, says: “This is the first of many exciting AR 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.” 

“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 AR in marketing.”

By Louis Gore-Langton