kencko

kencko, based in Lisbon, Portugal, develops and distributes freeze-dried, plant-based smoothies, snacks, and meals made from organic fruits and vegetables. The company's products aim to provide convenient nutrition, reduce food waste, and are sold through direct-to-consumer subscriptions and retail channels, including over 2,000 US locations like Walmart and Target. kencko reported cumulative gross revenue of $67 million by the end of 2022, with approximately 100 employees and gross margins reaching 38%. In 2021, the company secured $10 million in Series A funding led by Siddhi Capital, with participation from investors such as NextView Ventures, Riverside Ventures, and Silas Capital. Projecting a 91.6% CAGR from FY’23-FY’25, kencko also achieved Certified B Corporation status in December 2020. It was founded in 2017 by Tomás Froes.

# Kencko: A Food Technology Company, Not a Traditional Tech Firm

Kencko is a food technology company, not a software or hardware technology company. The distinction matters for understanding its business model and market position. While it leverages innovative technology—specifically freeze-drying—as its core operational differentiator, Kencko operates in the direct-to-consumer food and beverage space rather than the traditional technology sector.

High-Level Overview

Kencko is a plant-based nutrition company that uses freeze-drying technology to create convenient, shelf-stable fruit and vegetable products.[1][2] Founded in 2016, the company produces instant smoothie mixes, gumdrops, and ready-to-heat bowls designed to help consumers easily incorporate the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables into their diets.[2] Each smoothie serving contains more than two servings of fruits and vegetables.[2]

The company serves health-conscious consumers seeking convenient nutrition without compromising on quality or sustainability.[1] Kencko's core problem it solves is twofold: making it easier for busy individuals to meet daily nutritional recommendations, and reducing food waste in the supply chain by converting fresh produce into shelf-stable products.[1][2] With nearly 20 million smoothies shipped and a 61% repeat customer rate, the company demonstrates strong product-market fit and customer loyalty.[1][9]

Origin Story

Founder Tomás Froes created Kencko after using a plant-rich diet to heal his acute gastritis.[1][2] Frustrated by the difficulty of fitting enough fruits and vegetables into his busy lifestyle, Froes developed the first freeze-dried, instant smoothie as a personal solution.[1] The company was formally founded in 2016 and launched its product in March 2018 after securing seed funding.[3]

The founding story reflects a classic startup pattern: solving a personal problem at scale. Froes recognized that while organic, plant-rich diets are beneficial, they are logistically challenging for most people.[3] By packaging the nutritional benefits of fresh produce in a convenient, powder form, he created a product that removes friction from healthy eating. Early traction was notable—the company entered the TechStars accelerator program in London within months of launch.[3]

Core Differentiators

• Freeze-drying technology: Unlike conventional instant drink mixes, Kencko's freeze-drying process—similar to NASA's food preservation method—retains minerals, protein, vitamins, and fiber that are typically lost in other healthy drinks.[3][7] This process occurs soon after harvest to maximize nutrient retention.[2]

• Clean ingredient profile: Products contain only whole organic plant foods with zero additives or refined sugars.[3][5] This positions Kencko as a premium option compared to competitors using artificial ingredients or added sugars.

• Sustainability commitment: The company is a Certified B Corporation that uses plant-based compostable packaging and offsets all shipping emissions.[2][5] In the prior year, Kencko helped members avoid discarding approximately 660 tons of fresh produce.[2]

• Convenience and speed: Products require only water and a mixer bottle—no blender needed—and can be prepared in minutes.[3] This removes a major barrier to consumption compared to fresh smoothies.

• Vertical integration: Operating with a processing facility in Lisbon, Portugal, and headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, Kencko controls both production and direct-to-consumer distribution, enabling 24-48 hour delivery in the U.S., UK, and Canada.[3]

Role in the Broader Food Tech Landscape

Kencko operates at the intersection of three major trends: the plant-based food movement, the convenience economy, and sustainable food systems. The company rides growing consumer demand for plant-forward diets while addressing the practical barriers that prevent adoption—time, spoilage, and accessibility.

The timing is particularly favorable. Consumer awareness of food waste has increased significantly, and freeze-drying technology has become more cost-effective and scalable.[2] Additionally, direct-to-consumer food brands have proven viable business models, with subscription-based repeat purchases (evidenced by Kencko's 61% repeat rate) providing predictable revenue.[9]

Kencko's influence extends beyond its own sales. By demonstrating that freeze-dried produce can achieve premium positioning and customer loyalty, the company validates a production method that other food companies may adopt. Its B Corporation certification and compostable packaging also set sustainability standards within the convenience food category.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Kencko is positioned for continued growth as it expands beyond smoothies into ready-to-heat bowls and other product categories.[2] The company has raised $13.97 million to date, with its most recent Series A round of $10 million led by Siddhi Capital, indicating strong investor confidence.[2][4]

The company's next phase involves geographic expansion—particularly into Asia—and product line diversification.[3][2] As consumer demand for convenient, sustainable nutrition intensifies, Kencko's freeze-drying technology and direct-to-consumer model position it well to capture market share. The key challenge will be scaling production and maintaining the premium positioning that justifies higher prices compared to fresh produce or conventional instant drinks.

Ultimately, Kencko exemplifies how food technology—not software or hardware innovation, but process innovation—can create defensible competitive advantages and build a meaningful brand in the health-conscious consumer market.