Case study – Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG)

Smart Brand Protection for FMCG Products in Asia

How did Nabcore help an FMCG company combat counterfeit products, protect brand trust, and recover lost market share in Asia’s fast-paced, high-volume environment?

Overview:

How is Nabcore able to help Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company to prevent loss revenue due to fakes, and regain market share?

 

PROFILE OF CUSTOMER:

A leading FMCG brand in the lifestyle sector offering high-quality, good-value products to consumers across Southeast Asia. Due to their strong value proposition and wide distribution network, their products are frequently targeted by counterfeiters, especially in Southeast Asia, making it difficult for consumers in these countries to distinguish between genuine and fake goods.

CHALLENGES:

  • Integrate a consumer-friendly authentication system across over 100 million product units without disrupting current production processes
  • High-speed, high-volume production made it difficult to adopt conventional brand protection methods
  • The solution had to be cost-effective and easily deployable across existing packaging lines

THE BUSINESS ISSUES:

  • Products lacked consumer verification features
  • No visibility across supply chain distribution
  • Significant revenue and market share losses caused by counterfeits

SOLUTIONS:

Nabcore designed and deployed a multi-layered brand protection system tailored for high-speed, high-volume FMCG manufacturing.

Nabcore designed and deployed a multi-layered brand protection system tailored for high-speed, high-volume FMCG manufacturing.

The solutions are printed directly onto the product packaging, suitable for High Speed production run.   

Interlocking Physical and Digital Security

  • Integrated Hidden Physical Security, Overt Features, and Covert Digital Technology into one unified solution
  • Designed for seamless offset or digital printing—requires no change to existing production workflows

Product Authentication – Anti-Copy QR Code

  • Unique Anti-Copy Security QR Codes embedded directly into packaging artwork
  • Enables consumers to verify authenticity with a simple smartphone scan
  • Turns traditional packaging into Smart Packaging that connects consumers with the brand and offers post-scan engagement opportunities
Anti-copy and Anti-counterfeit security code

We work with customer’s appointed printer to print onto each product packaging. The security QR code is incorporated into the design of the packaging and printed as per normal artwork using offset machine needed for high volume operations. The requirement for printing the code is at least 200 lines per inch (for offset printer) or 600 dpi (for digital printer).

This requirement is achievable for the FMCG’s printing house as they are considered basic resolution and falls within the printing machines capability. Hence, there is no additional process step needed in implement our security code solution. 

Hidden Physical Security

  • In low-connectivity or offline regions, verification is possible through UV security inks, photochromatic inks, or conductive inks
  • Distributors and brand inspectors can authenticate products using special devices without internet access
Invisible UV security inks

SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY

  • When counterfeit QR codes are scanned, their geolocation is tracked
  • A real-time heatmap analysis reveals counterfeit hotspots, helping the brand identify:
  • Where fake goods are being distributed
  • Potential sources of counterfeit manufacturing or repackaging

📍 See sample scan distribution heatmap below

Track and Trace Heatmap
Example of Track and Trace Heatmap

WHY NABCORE:

    • Experts in end-to-end brand protection, supply chain visibility, and consumer engagement across Asia
    • Deep understanding of counterfeiting patterns, grey market challenges, and regional distribution issues
    • Solutions are always evolving—with continuous upgrades that empower data analysis, consumer loyalty, and revenue growth

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes. Our security QR codes are designed for offset and digital printing at standard resolutions (≥200 LPI or 600 DPI), so they require no changes to your production process.

Unlike standard QR codes, our Anti-Copy QR codes contain micro-patterns and hidden encryption that prevent duplication. Even if copied, the scan data will flag anomalies—enabling counterfeit detection.

By scanning the QR code with any smartphone. They instantly receive confirmation if the product is genuine, along with any post-scan brand messaging or promotions you include.

Scans from counterfeit items (with copied or tampered QR codes) trigger alerts and are logged in our system. This generates heatmaps showing where fake products are appearing—giving you actionable supply chain intelligence.

Yes. We offer hidden physical verification options like UV inks or photochromatic tags that can be validated offline using handheld devices—ideal for rural or low-connectivity regions.