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SAMBAZON Celebrates 25 Years of Positive Impact

Founded in 2000, SAMBAZON has vastly influenced the Açaí industry with its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. With a mission centered around improving the lives of Amazon harvesters and protecting the rainforest, SAMBAZON proudly marks its 25th anniversary in 2025.

A Pioneering Journey

SAMBAZON has developed a revolutionary business model that directly purchases Açaí from harvesters, eliminating the middlemen often responsible for unfair wages and obscured supply chains. The company's CEO, Ryan Black, emphasizes that their goal transcends simply making profits. Rather, it focuses on creating a positive impact both for the environment and local communities. Black's inspiration stemmed from a surfing trip to Brazil, which solidified his resolve to build a business that is beneficial to all involved.

The company's approach, characterized by traceability, environmental protection, and minimal ecological impact, guides its operations from the moment the Açaí berries are harvested to when they reach the hands of consumers. Through its detailed environmental impact reports, SAMBAZON showcases initiatives that underscore its sustainability ethos.

Supporting Harvesters and Communities

Since its inception, SAMBAZON has invested over $1 million to support its harvesting communities. In 2024 alone, it collaborated with 256 Açaí harvesting communities and 827 individual harvesters. Feedback collected in a survey conducted by 60 Decibels revealed that 93% of surveyed participants reported improved quality of life since partnering with SAMBAZON, with all respondents acknowledging the company’s positive contributions to their communities.

Black explains, "By ensuring our harvesters receive fair compensation for their Açaí, we help foster economic stability that can discourage harmful logging and deforestation. We advocate for sustainable practices that prioritize the protection of the rainforest, while also supporting local construction and quality-of-life enhancement projects."

Exemplifying Generosity

SAMBAZON's report highlights inspirational stories, such as those of Jair Furtado, a 29-year-old who helped facilitate the construction of a school for his community, and Nelson De Vasconcelos Filho, who elaborates on how their community's values are shifting towards conservation and sustainable Açaí management due to the economic incentives provided by SAMBAZON.

In terms of environmental footprint, SAMBAZON's Fair Trade-certified areas in the Amazon have expanded to 100,204 acres, a space roughly four times the size of Paris. Through this business model rooted in Organic and Fair Trade certifications, SAMBAZON actively contributes to the protection of vital ecosystems and endangered species while encouraging biodiversity. The Açaí harvested by SAMBAZON is free of fertilizers and pesticides, with strict adherence to organic practices ensuring that chemical contamination is not a concern for the local environment.

Measuring Success

With 661 million pounds of certified organic and Fair Trade ingredients purchased, the significance of their efforts becomes tangible—this weight equates to that of 254 giant sequoias. According to the survey conducted, 100% of harvesters believe that SAMBAZON has significantly aided in the improvement of their communities. Furthermore, over 4.5 million metric tons of carbon were stored in their Fair Trade-certified acres in 2024.

Notably, 96.4% of SAMBAZON’s waste is transformed into energy, reused, or recycled, contributing to a circular economy.
The company utilizes 98.6% renewable energy at its headquarters and processing facilities in Brazil.
* Looking ahead, SAMBAZON is committed to ensuring that by 2030, all retail and food service packaging will be made from recycled or plant-based materials that are recyclable or compostable.

Future Endeavors

As SAMBAZON reflects on this milestone, it remains focused on creating ongoing positive impacts within the Amazon and extending its mission globally. Kickstarting more initiatives aimed at environmental preservation while uplifting local communities will continue to be at the forefront of their strategic vision.

About SAMBAZON

SAMBAZON, which stands for Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon, was the first company to introduce Certified Açaí globally. The brand has become synonymous with premium organic and Fair Trade Açaí products ranging from smoothie packs to energy drinks. Investing in local growers, SAMBAZON has positively influenced thousands of families by contributing over $1 million towards healthcare centers, community centers, and schools. Interested customers can learn more by visiting www.sambazon.com or following them on Instagram @sambazon.