Hologram links cognac bottle to certificate of authenticity with added QR features | 24-09-2026 |

Authentication and security features for ‘high end’ spirits was one of the first applications for Smart Packaging - recognised as a major breakthrough for anti-counterfeiting and brand protection, as well as consumer engagement. So it is good to see that tradition is being maintained, albeit using a combination of older and newer Smart technologies. 

Now Kurz Scribos, a long time AIPIA member, has developed an authentication solution for a limited edition cognac, 'Les Anges Noirs', from the brand Baron Otard, in which each bottle is linked to a certificate of authenticity via a numbered hologram. Only 370 packages of this edition have been produced.

Les Anges Noirs is part of Les Liens Cognaçais, an annual collaborative project of companies from the French cognac region and the packaging industry. The 2026 edition was created in conjunction with Château de Cognac. 

For authentication, an individual VeoMark hologram is applied to the neck of each bottle. A second hologram with the same unique serial number is located on the certificate of authenticity. By comparing both numbers and safety features, it can be checked whether the bottle and certificate match. According to Kurz Scribos, this should, among other things, prevent certificates from being mixed up between bottles.

The VeoMark concept used is not a new technology. It was developed around 2013 by the then tesa scribos as a solution in which labels are individually provided with visible and hidden safety features and a unique code. The application within Les Anges Noirs is innovative mainly in the combination of the two corresponding characteristics on product and certificate.

In addition to physical authentication, the certificate contains a QR code. Upon scanning it, the user gets access to digital information about the project and the participating companies. This combines the security solution with a digital information layer.

KURZ France supplied the decorative foil, Hinderer + Mühlich took care of the embossing of the silver-coloured label and Kurz Scribos supplied the authentication solution. Maestro Packaging produced the presentation box. In addition, Saverglass, Avery Dennison, Fedrigoni Special Papers, Sleever and Les Bouchages Delage, were involved in various packaging components.