VRIJDAG PREMIUM PRINTING ENHANCE THE SMOKING EXPERIENCE OF YOUR BRAND

Photos: VPP

Vrijdag Premium Printing offers THE new way of communicating with cigar afficionados via NFC tags or QR codes on cigar bands, labels and boxes. An interview with Henk Nota, president, and Stephan Qarimi, international sales manager of Vrijdag Premium Printing, show us the Dutch specialist in eye catching bands and labels for handmade cigars.

CIGARRO DOMINICANO: Can you briefly introduce Vrijdag to our readers?

Henk Nota: Vrijdag Premium Printing is a packaging printer since 1905, fully equipped and specialized in the design and manufacturing of eye-catching labels and packaging. Cigar bands are probably our most iconic product, but a large share of our business is also premium packaging for example spirits, cosmetics and chocolates. Upcoming are so called Advent calendars, which are becoming more popular in not only the cosmetic industry, but also in cigars. Our website (www.vrijdag.nl) offers a full overview of products, markets and techniques. We are proud to be working for most of the premium and well knows cigar brands in the world.

CD: What is NFC and what is QR?

HN: The Quick Response code was first developed in 1994, in Japan, for the automotive industry, to quickly identify parts. Meanwhile it has become the global standard for most industries and a widely used method to identify and communicate about products.

NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a short-range communication between a device (f.e. mobile phone) and a chip with antenna, a so-called NFC chip. Both NFC and QR can be used to create communication between a brand owner and consumer or retailer.

CD: What are the differences between NFC and QR?

Stephan Qarimi: vious difference is the visual aspect. The QR code needs to be printed in a certain size to make the ca mera recognize it and they often interfere with the design of the brand. And sometimes the product (f.e. a cigar ring) is too small to be dressed with a QR code”.

Henk Nota adds, “and the QR code can easily be copied and that brings one of the key advantages of the NFC chip in the picture. NFC chips are uni que, securely coded, and can be used for product authenticity. And with so many falsified cigars it can make the afficionado feel more comfortable to know he is smoking “the real thing”. By scanning the NFC chip with a phone, it identifies the product from a secure database and only then delivers confir mation and further information”.

Los novedadosos “Advent calendars”, se están volviendo cada vez más populares y son hechos por Vrijdag // Advent Calendars are gaining increasing popularity and are also made by Vrijdag

Stephan continues, of course QR codes are relatively cheap, as they usually are printed in-line with other design elements. Another advantage site, connects to social media, etc; no need to open your camera, point to the subject and touch the screen as with QR codes. NFC chips are moving up worldwide and meanwhile are the standard for contactless payment.

The platform!

: Both QR codes and NFC chips are connected to a platform. For this Vrijdag cooperates with Humidif Group, the leading box manufacturer from Nicaragua. This so called HGTag platform contains the content that will be revealed once the QR code or NFC chip is scanned. On the phone and in the preferred language specified information “opens up” (after f.e. age check). The information can contain video’s, presentations, tobacco blends, tasting panels, ratings, pairing options, tap re-order, social media connections, etc etc.

Stephan continues: and the platform can carry multiple experiences. F.e. with regard to limited editions, X-mas sales or the regular portfolio. And what about adding accessories? Or near smoke locations? And if the afficionado who scans the product confirms, a valuable database of users is created, that can be addressed to for future product introductions, samplings, shows or promotions.

Making use of either the QR code or the NFC chip creates valuable customer intimacy

Want to know more? Contact Henk or Stephan.

CD: How can our readers connect with the website of Vrijdag could be the first introduction, and of course Stephan and I are easily accessible at hn@vrijsq@vrijdag.nl

Stephan: Vrijdag Premium Printing is also present at LinkedIn and Instagram, but I prefer personal contact. Reach out to me and I will connect by return!