Beyond the bowl

US-based company SAMBAZON, an acronym for ‘Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon’, specialises in certified organic, fair trade and wild harvested açaí products. But scratch the surface and much more lies beyond the açaí bowls.

For starters, SAMBAZON was founded keeping the ‘triple bottom line’ principle at its core. A social bottom line based on the wellbeing of its people (employees and customers). An environmental bottom line based on the business’ impact on the planet and an economic bottom line based on revenues and profitability.

“Every time someone enjoys the delicious powers of SAMBAZON açaí, a positive socio-economic chain reaction is set in motion from the Amazon to the world,” stated Co-Founder & CEO, Ryan Black in the brand’s 2023 Impact Report.

SAMBAZON at a glance

• Founded in 2000
• Sold in 50+ countries, including the GCC
• Mission: Protect the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest
• Key highlight: 23,028 metric tonnes of organic ingredients purchased in 2023 to make its delicious açaí bowls

SAMBAZON has positively impacted the lives of over 13,297 people through its Fair Trade and other community projects. In 2023, SAMBAZON allocated $55,864 towards its Fair Trade Project, a number based on its açaí harvest over the previous year. What’s more, the brand has committed $1.6 million in lifetime global donations, so far.

Honouring people & planet commitments

Moving over to SAMBAZON’s commitments towards the planet for which the brand has been awarded the first-ever Green ACC Financing from Banco do Brasil for promoting sustainable and low-carbon practices in Brazil. Following its Fair Trade certification in 2023, SAMBAZON has certified 118,895 acres of land in the Amazon to ensure its harvesters follow best practices in forest management.

Further, SAMBAZON converts 100% or 17K tons of the açaí seeds – and 90-95% of açaí berries are made up of seeds – into biomass energy. Notably, almost 87% of its electricity usage is fulfilled by renewable resources. SAMBAZON has achieved a 98% landfill diversion rate, while 43 tons of its post-consumer packaging is recycled. In addition, it has launched an app aiming for a high level of traceability and control over its açaí supply chain.

Looking ahead, SAMBAZON remains committed to protecting biodiversity; sustainably managing thousands of acres of forest; and increasing the socio-economic status of thousands of small family farmers.