Zenko Superfoods - From Himalayan Ponds to Global Shelves with Traceability, Transparency and Connected Packaging
Overview
Zenko Superfoods has built a global following for its signature Water Lily Pops, a snack with deep cultural roots and a story stretching back more than 2,000 years. Known as Makhana, these pops are grown in ponds between the Himalayas and the Ganges River and have long been a staple in the diets of Himalayan communities.
For Zenko, the goal has always been clear. Preserve the authenticity of this ancient ingredient while making it accessible to modern consumers. To achieve this, they partnered with Orijin Plus to unlock a transparent seed to snack journey that brings the origins of each pack to life.
The Challenge
Zenko wanted to tell a story that could not be told through packaging alone. They wanted consumers to feel connected to the Himalayan farmers, to understand where the raw seeds were grown and to trace the movement of each batch with confidence.
Their key objectives were.
· Capture real, verifiable origin data from rural growers.
· Build a traceability journey from pond to processing to packaging to shelf.
· Empower consumers to experience the cultural and agricultural heritage behind the product.
· Engage customers through loyalty, instant rewards and cross-brand collaborations.
Traceability Reimagined
Capturing a 2,000-Year Story with Modern Tools
Zenko used Orijin Plus to create a clear and compelling traceability journey that starts in the Himalayan ponds where Water Lily seeds are harvested.
Rural farmers participated in the process using Orijin Plus integrated GPS IOT trackers. Instead of needing complex systems, farmers simply activated the device and allowed the geo activity boundaries to capture their harvesting and movement automatically. This ensured the brand could verify the authenticity of the regions where the seeds were gathered without disrupting farming routines or adding administrative burden.
Before product dispatch, the Orijin Plus tracking app recorded key pre-shipment events. This added context around harvest timing, preparation and batch movement, creating a complete narrative long before the product reached manufacturers or exporters.
The result was a seed to snack journey that consumers could trust. Every point in the story was real, verifiable and captured through technology designed to simplify participation rather than complicate it.
A Brand Signal of Purity
Giving Consumers Oversight that Builds Confidence
This level of insight signalled to consumers that Zenko is a brand that genuinely cares. It offered unmatched transparency into where the product comes from, who touched it and how it travelled from rural ponds to global shelves.
For a snack positioned on quality, purity and cultural heritage, this depth of oversight is not just insightful. It is a powerful trust-building tool that reinforces the authenticity of Zenko’s sourcing practices and the integrity of every pack.
Connecting the Story to Consumers
Instant Wins, Loyalty and Cross-Brand Collaboration
Zenko extended its connected packaging experience by activating Orijin Plus instant wins and the loyalty programme. Consumers scanned their packs, won rewards and accumulated points, deepening their engagement with the brand.
Zenko also participated in a cross-brand collaboration with The Yoghurt Shop. Consumers who completed Zenko’s product chain and The Yoghurt Shop’s product chain received bonus loyalty points. It was a natural pairing. World-class yoghurt with world-class granola and snacks. The activation increased repeat purchasing and introduced each brand’s customers to the other in a way that felt organic and valuable.
Zenko founder Wouter Duyck summarised the impact clearly.
Results
Zenko’s connected packaging deployment delivered a powerful blend of transparency and engagement. · A complete seed to snack traceability journey captured automatically.
· GPS-verified origin data from Himalayan farmers with minimal friction.
· Pre-dispatch events recorded to strengthen authenticity and context.
· Strong consumer engagement through instant wins and loyalty.
· Cross-brand activation that strengthened repeat purchasing.
· A brand story that moved from packaging to a digital experience consumers could feel.
Conclusion
An Ancient Snack Reborn Through Transparency and Connection
Zenko Superfoods used Orijin Plus to bridge a 2,000-year heritage with modern transparency. Farmers contributed naturally. GPS data captured authenticity. Pre-dispatch events added depth. And connected packaging brought consumers into the story in a way conventional packaging never could.
The result is a brand experience that is culturally rich, technically robust and commercially powerful. A snack with ancient origins now supported by a modern ecosystem of trust and consumer connection.
What’s next
