The Miracles of Acai

From Samazon's website:

The journey began when a couple of people experienced açaí with local surfers during a trip to celebrate the new millennium in Brasil. Amazed by the natural energy and nutritional benefits of this powerful fruit, the started working on a plan to share açaí with the world and, in early 2000, Sambazon was formed.

The Beginning

They scraped together enough money to buy a container of frozen pulp and some marketing fliers and began trying to convince juice bars in Southern California that açaí was the real deal. By the end of that first summer, over 50 juice bars were selling Sambazon Açaí Smoothies. They started expanding all over the country, approaching juice bars in places like South Beach, New York City, Boulder, and Oahu's North Shore. They did endless samplings, demos, and promo events, and people loved it.

In Brazil

The Sambazon team has been working with the local non-governmental organizations to build the supply of organic and sustainable açaí. Over 10,000 people in the Amazon help them harvest açaí through their certified organic program, giving them an incentive to protect their land for generations to come.

Sustainability

Sambazon was founded on sustainability. They know that in order to continue providing great tasting, organic açaí products, conserving the rainforest is essential to the company's growth and development.

Sambazon learned that locals could earn more harvesting açaí than clear-cutting the forest. Sustainable development was happening right before their eyes and they knew there was an opportunity for more significant change. Realizing that they could help promote the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest and contribute to the positive economic chain reaction that benefits the indigenous people, their mission began by sharing this remarkable fruit with the rest of the world.

Sambazon's efforts in sustainability have been recognized all over the world. In November of 2006, Sambazon was named a winner for the prestigious "Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence" (A.C.E. Award) for a small-medium business. Sambazon was nominated for this award by the United States Ambassador to Brasil for helping to create worldwide awareness and pioneer a sustainable industry around the açaí fruit.

"Sambazon is an outstanding example of the positive impact that a small company can make to the economy, the environment, and the society of its host country," said Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State at the 2006 A.C.E. Ceremony, "Sambazon was selected for efforts to promote sustainable development in the Brazilian Rainforest, while improving the conditions of indigenous people through creative marketing of the açaí fruit."

Using açaí as a vehicle to promote and further sustainability, Sambazon has teamed up with groundbreaking companies and international organizations dedicated to developing cooperation and positive exchange in the Amazon and beyond. Sambazon is one viable solution of how you, the locals, and the Rainforest can reap the benefits of a truly magical fruit while protecting and enhancing the future for all.

Green Earth Organics is pleased to be carrying Sambazon's Acai Juice: a delicious and low glycemic way to get antioxidents, vitamins, minerals, and good Omega fats. For a limited time only, this superfood powerhouse is on sale for $5.74 per 946 mL bottle (regular price: $6.75).