Ireland Craft Beers and arc-net partnered to build Downstream IPL, a beer that buyers can track on the blockchain from production to the retail shelf. The two companies met through Entrepreneurial Spa
Ireland Craft Beers and arc-net partnered to build Downstream IPL, a beer that buyers can track on the blockchain from production to the retail shelf. The two companies met through Entrepreneurial Spark, a startup hub designed to connect entrepreneurs with resources and expertise.
When customers scan a QR code on the bottle label, they access arc-net's blockchain record detailing the beer's complete journey. Arc-net assigns each bottle a unique identifier on the blockchain, enabling buyers to verify its origins and authenticity.
Kieran Kelly, CEO of arc-net, said the blockchain lets Ireland Craft Beers tell their story. He added: "The new era of transparency on the blockchain helps to ensure the people and process behind the craft brewing process is made available. In a crowded market, products on the arc-net blockchain now have a voice."
In June, Ireland Craft Beers noticed macro breweries marketing cheaper beers under the craft label. They decided to build their own beer with blockchain technology and pitched the concept to arc-net. Both companies committed to the project.
Honest Brew will list Downstream IPL on its online shop beginning this week. In the New Year, a major multinational retailer plans to stock the beer in more than 400 U.K. stores.
Sean Crossey, associate digital marketing analyst at arc-net, discussed the initiative with MiningPool. "This will have a massive impact on consumers, giving them all the information they could possibly want behind the making of their beer," he said. He highlighted the craft beer sector's potential: "The craft beer market is one of the most rapidly rising industries and we see the ability to instill trust and transparency in this market as well as connecting with its passionate consumer base as highly valuable."
Arc-net has expanded beyond beer into spirits. The company partnered earlier this year with Scotland's Highland Ardnamurchan Distillery to put limited edition Scotch whisky on the blockchain. The partnership aims to eliminate counterfeits and protect the integrity of whisky exports.
