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Lifestyle

This Company Turns a Superfood Into a Social Impact Mission

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Georgetown chapter.

Ryan and Jeremy Black fell in love with Brazil, and açaí, on a surf trip in the late 90s. They realized the power of the açaí fruit as a nutritional superfood and also a source of economic growth and stability for the community. A few years later their company, Sambazon, became the first source of açaí in the United States.

Sustainability 

superfood water grass
Mollie White

As someone who has traveled to Bolivia, I can attest to how beautiful the Amazon is. That’s why it’s so important that we stop the massive deforestation and destruction of the Amazon Rainforest. To ensure this, Sambazon sustainably manages and prevents the deforestation of over 2 million acres of the Amazon Rainforest.

Reinvesting in Community

Additionally, Sambazon reinvests in the local community, supporting over 20,000 local farmers and families. Plus 5% of the raw açaí that they purchase is directly reinvested into local schools and hospitals.

Environmentally Friendly

No part of the açaí fruit goes to waste. The seeds are used as fuel in the processing facilities and extra seeds are donated to make açaí berry bracelets, which helps support the local community and create jobs. As a company that prides itself on measuring success by their social, environmental, and economic impact, you know that they’re seriously committed to their mission.

Nutritional Superfood

Açaí itself is a superfood backed with omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants similar to ones found in red wine. It is also a naturally sugar-free fruit with a low glycemic index and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats making it easy to digest and use as energy.

Açaí Your Way

All of Sambazon’s products are Certified Fair Trade, USDA Organic, Non GMO, plant-based, and gluten free, making it easy to enjoy for all types diets. If you’re looking for a source of açaí other than bowl form, Sambazon offers a variety of açaí based food and drinks including sorbet and energy drinks.

A Happy Planet

We should challenge more companies to adopt the Sambazon Model and promote a healthy body and a happy planet. 

Mollie White

Georgetown '19

Mollie is a sophomore nursing major at Georgetown University. She loves cooking and baking, especially with ingredients from the farmers market. Her motto is "everything is a vehicle for almond butter."