Real Deal Açaí Blog Series: Part 2 - What does Açaí do Anyways?

How quickly can I expect to start losing weight after taking açaí? What dose should I be taking? I’ve been taking açaí for a week now and I still can’t fly - What’s up with that!?!

It’s a little crazy to see how açaí is being perceived these days. Either, out of misconception or simply as an attempt to differentiate their product from others in the marketplace, companies marketing açaí products have created a lot of confusion around what açaí brings to the table.

Açaí’s most notable strength is it’s potent source of anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants- the red and blue pigments known for their anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging effects). But it doesn’t stop there. Açaí also contains phytosterols (plant compounds thought to provide numerous benefits to the human body, most notably the reduction of LDL blood cholesterol levels) as well as a unique micronutrient concentration which helps replenish our body’s electrolytes.

To break it down even further, açaí’s nutritionally robust macronutrient profile is: : 50% fat, 30% fiber, 15% protein and around 5% minerals/micronutrient. Like olive oil, the fat of açaí is ideal for maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels. An abundance of fiber helps support healthy cardiovascular and digestive systems. Açaí’s protein component is made up of a nice balance of essential amino acids to help build and repair tissue.

So what can we expect açaí to do for us? Can it make you loose weight? Perhaps; If your metabolism is bogged down as a result of an overabundance of refined food in your diet, açaí can certainly help stoke your furnace, similar to how the intensity of a fire increases when we put a piece of dense wood on top of fast burning tinder.

Will açaí make me look younger? Overnight… probably not. However, eating açaí regularly over time is a fantastic strategy towards helping you age gracefully and may even help you avoid diseases associated with nutritional deficiency.

You see where I’m going with this… Açaí is indeed a true gift of nature without a doubt! Consistent açaí consumption over time in conjunction with a balanced lifestyle and positive attitude WILL yield great results for any/everyone! As with all things in life, the effect is cumulative and dynamic.

Preservation of our precious Amazonian ecosystems through purchase of Sambazon Açaí yields tangible health benefits for all.


Your Friend,

-skanda

The Real Deal Açaí Blog Series is a new posting series written by Ed Nichols nicknamed Skanda, Sambazon Co-Founder and Director of Consumer Relations. Check back every second Tuesday of the month for the latest and greatest insights from Skanda.

Sambazon at Art Basel - Miami

Internationally acclaimed, Art Basel Miami draws thousands to Miami's South Beach, downtown and Midtown every year to experience the latest and greatest in contemporary art. In the heart of Miami's newly revamped midtown, Sambazon put on one of the best shows in town. Partnering with Sushi Samba, Sambazon was able to take part in their annual Ginza Tropicalia showcase, inspired by the culture of the Brasilian streets, featuring graffiti artists from Brasil and Japan and a custom skate ramp we commissioned.

As the doors opened to this eclectic space, guests were greeted by Sambazon's sampling table, and with mini bowls of Sambazon açaí in hand, they meandered around the space admiring huge walls and an entire skate ramp covered with newly spray painted art.

Each night as Sambazon's professional line up of skate boarders (who proudly flaunted the Sambazon t-shirts and sipped down energy drinks and juices throughout their show) took to the ramp, the crowd flooded in for an intimate skate show.

Hawaii, Day 4

Written by Scott Nemeth, Director of Events and Athletes

Pictures speak a thousand words for Day 4. Check out our Flickr account to see what I mean. We sampled 700 bottles at the X Terra World Championships at Kualoa Ranch (the place where they filmed Jurassic Park.




In the 7 years and over 500 event days that I have worked with Sambazon I have never seen such a loyal group of Sambazon customers. So many of them knew about Sambazon because of our açaí bowls... and they were stoked to know that we now have the "grab and go" bottles in almost all grocery stores' produce departments.



The Hawaiian people were so gracious when receiving a bottle and they gobbled up all my coupons! Much Aloha.

Hawaii, Day 3

Written by Scott Nemeth, Director of Events and Athletes

The Morning started off at about 3 degrees as we had to pull product for the days events from our cold storage facility in our trunks and sandals. Then off to Mocha Java, one of the best accounts serving Sambazon on Oahu for an Açaí Power Bowl/Amazon Energy Promo. We demoed for a few hours to quite an eclectic group of locals, foreigners, and other strangers. Luzia, the owner of Mocha Java was a great host and we went through heeps of original packs and AE. It was great to see whole tables of patrons all with açaí bowls and Amazon Energy cans in front of them! Thanks Luzia!!!

By the end of the night we caught up with Sambazon Ambassador and Reggae Superstar Pato Banton... He was in town playing a show. It was great to see Pato and nice to be able to share some Sambazon with him in Hawaii. "Thanks for the tickets my friend!!!"

Hawaii, Day 2

Written by Scott Nemeth, Director of Event and Athletes

The highlight of today was easy. The Sunset Elementary Autograph signing was really great to see. All of the surf brands, Sambazon included, donated products, swag, stickers, and other items that get raffled off throughout the night. There must have been 500 kids packed in there. The pros on hand were some of the best of the best; Rob Machado, Jordy Smith, Timmy Reyes, Fred Pattacia, and Kalani Robb to name a few. All the money raised goes to pay for the music, science, and art programs offered at the school. Oh yeah...Pipe was firing again today too...

Hawaii Doesn't Disapoint

Sambazon's Scott Nemeth heads to Oahu's N0rth Shore to share some Sambazon açaí just as the festivities surrounding big surf competitions, marathons and races pick up for the winter months. Keep checking back for a daily update from paradise.

Day One of our Hawaii Blitz lived up to the billing. After picking up product at Kahuna Distribution in town, I headed out to the North Shore to share some Sambazon with the worlds most elite surfers....and all of their friends...

Pipe was doing her thing heaving 10 footers over the reef inclassic Hawaiian style. The weather was perfect with blue skies and soothing sun, and the acai was much appreciated.

1. WCT surfers Jeremy Flores and Michael Pichon go for Strawberry Samba, Dane Ward dips in to an original sorbet, and Rob Machado decides to take the whole batch back to his place!!!

Thanksgiving Cooking with Sambazon Açaí

At Sambazon we love to experiment with new ways to use açaí from baking, to making sauces and drinks and desserts. Here are some great new takes on old holiday classics that the Sambazon crew and our friends have put together for this Thanksgiving. Try them out and surprise your guests with antioxidant rich holiday treats!

Sambazon Açaí Nog

1 cup Sambazon Original Açaí Juice
1 cup Silk Soymilk Nog
½ organic banana

Blend till smooth, pour into individual cups or mugs, and top with a light sprinkle of nutmeg. Makes about four 6 oz. servings.


No Bake Bars with Sambazon Açaí

2 /12 c. oats
1/2 c. toasted wheat germ
1/2 c. dried non-fat milk powder
1/2 c. dried cherries or other dried fruit, chopped
1/2 c. lightly salted, roasted almonds, chopped
1 c. peanut butter or other nut butter
1/2 c. honey
1 Sambazon Original Açaí Smoothie Pack, defrosted
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt

Line 9″x9″ pan with foil and spray with vegetable oil.

In large bowl mix together oats, wheat germ, milk powder, cherries and nuts. Over medium heat, blend peanut butter and honey. Once blended and smooth, take off heat and stir in Açaí pulp. Add vanilla, cinnamon and salt to peanut mixture. Add wet to dry ingredients. Blend well.

Pour into pan. Using wax paper, press mixture into pan well. Let cool. Cover and chill in fridge. Cut into bars as desired and wrap in plastic wrap or foil.


Ani Phyo's Açaí Holiday Orange-Cranberry Sauce with Sambazon Açaí

Enjoy this sauce as a condiment with Thanksgiving dinner, or spoon it over the top of a wedge of baked brie cheese anytime of the year.

1 x 100g Acai frozen package, thawed
12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries, about 3 1/3 cup, rinse well
1 teaspoon orange zest, from 1 orange
1 cup medjool dates, pitted

In your food processor, place Sambazon Açaí, cranberries, orange zest, and dates. Pulse to mix well but keep the chunks.

Variations: For a bit of crunch, add 1/4 cup walnuts, and/or a teaspoon of cinnamon to your recipe. For a sweeter sauce, add 1-2 Tablespoons agave syrup, to taste. Try adding 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Recipe courtesy of Ani Phyo, author of "Ani's Raw Food Kitchen: Easy Delectable Living Food Recipes". For more recipes and videos, visit Ani at: www.AniPhyo.com

Real Deal Açaí Blog Series: Part I - The Scammers

Açaí Spam Scams.

Ok, so this whole thing has officially become weird - Just kidding… ok, not really. Are you guys receiving a bunch of uninvited emails from websites offering a FREE TRIAL on açaí supplements that tout weight loss or cleansing benefits? Anyone who’s cultivated a close relationship with açaí knows it’s all about dense nutrition and phytonutrients. To market açaí simply for weight loss is counterintuitive to put it lightly.

Over the last several months’ people have been contacting us asking us to, ‘please stop charging my credit card’. We’ve come to learn of a number of companies who are luring folks into giving them their credit card info under the guise of a free trial. Unbeknownst to the customer, they’re signing themselves up to have their credit card charged for regular, automatic shipments of the product. To make matters worse, un-enrolling from the program can apparently be less than a cakewalk.

* The good news: A thoughtful customer contacted us a few weeks back to tell us that after much time and energy she finally discovered how to un-enroll from the auto-ship program she’d singed up for. She was successfully able to un-enroll via: www.gohelpnow.com.

Although this website worked for one customer, it may not for all. We’ve been gathering information about these companies since this phenomenon began and greatly appreciate any insights you’d be willing to share with us.

• To share your own experience with açaí spam scams, please send an email to me at ed@sambazon.com with a subject line which reads ‘açaí spam scam’. You can also file a complaint with the FTC (fair trade commission) via: http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/cmplanding.shtm


Your Friend,

- e.skanda


The Real Deal Açaí Blog Series is a new posting series written by Ed Nichols nicknamed Skanda, Sambazon Co-Founder and Director of Consumer Relations. Check back every second Tuesday of the month for the latest and greatest insights from Skanda.

Hans Rey's "Popeye" Smoothie

Watch how bike legend Hans Rey makes his favorite Sambazon Açaí smoothie!

Sambazon and Hurley welcome Skateboarding Legend BOB BURNQUIST to Orlando, FL

Come out and hang with Bob, get an autographed poster and sip down some Sambazon Acai! plus....promo items from Hurley.

Sunday Oct 19th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Publix Grocery Store
741 S. Orlando Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789

Reflections of Olympic Gold

Written by Reid Priddy, Team USA + Team Sambazon

My name is Reid and I am a Sambazon Açaí fanatic! My Açaí story started in 2005 when I was introduced to it by my best friend's wife. It didn't take long before I had Juice It Up's number on speed dial. Açaí bowls became a staple in my diet and a perfect snack both before and after training, as well as for breakfast or a mid-day snack. I started taking nutrition and diet more seriously in 2007. Up to that
point, we were all under the impression that we just needed calories no matter what kind. I found myself playing at a high level through half of the tournaments but tapering off at the end of events. Once I discovered that choosing the right calories and foods was just as important as maintaining the number of calories, my energy levels sustained through entire tournaments.

This summer was a huge testament to that idea. We began with the World League tournament which is an 8 week long tournament. The tournament has 4 pools of 4 and each team plays the other 3 teams home and away through 6 weeks of pool play. Our pool consisted of Bulgaria, Finland, and Spain. That meant that each week we were traveling between different cities in America to cities abroad in Bulgaria, Finland and Spain. Not only that but we needed to be in top shape and form throughout the entire 6 weeks. Fortunately we made it out of our pool in first place and on to the World League Finals in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

With diet being such a huge key to success and energy within Athletics it becomes very frustrated with all the travel. When in Helsinki, Finland, we don't have too much control over what we have as options to eat. It becomes crucial to be able to pack certain "go-to's" to safeguard against bad food. There is too much on the line to not be prepared in this way.

Between the pool play and the Finals I hooked up with Scott Nemeth at Sambazon and he prepared two coolers full of product to ship down with us. It was a huge hit amongst the team! We dropped our first match, reevaluated and came back to win the entire tournament! It was so much fun. After that first loss our captain berated us about
not playing as a team. That is a concept that our head coach Hugh McCuteon has been preaching since he became the head coach. The concept that the whole is greater than the parts. To sacrifice personal agendas for the good of the group. I think that loss had a huge effect on what would take place both over the remainder of that tournament and into the Olympic Games in Beijing.

The United States has never won a World League title, so winning it this year really helped build momentum leading into the games. It is no secret that our team had to endure some serious obstacles, but the foundation that we had and the strength within the group helped us weather the storm, rely on each other and do what we know how to do best...compete as a team. As we were taking care of business on the court, the off the court rest, recovery and diet was a major focus for me. Beijing was no exception to the rule in terms of "wild-card food". It was equally important to have the go-to snacks. This time it was in the form of Sambazon Açaí powder! Life saver!

The Olympic Games were an amazing experience. Throughout my life I have often thought about what I would do if I won a Gold Medal. However, when that last ball was put away and the match ended, it was such an overwhelming emotion that I could do nothing but collapse on my teammates. One of the most special things for me was the camaraderie that we all shared. We had failed together and now we succeeded together. We bought into the TEAM concept and were now Champions because of it. I will never forget this experience, not just for the win but for all the life lessons I learned along the way. In our gym we talk a lot about PROCESS. Each practice, each match being a part of a process of trying to become master's of our craft. Now being on this side of this experience, I ponder what it would look like to apply these themes to other aspects of life. On to another journey by way of another process.

All the best,
Reid

Ubatuba Açaí Bowl by Boston Bruins' Andrew Ference

My wife and I first had açaí in Ubatuba, Brazil, a great town for surfing and relaxing in between Rio and Sao Paulo. We ate it as a snack before realizing just how healthy it was. It was a little tough to find back in Canada (6 years ago) at first but we finally found a local organic grocer who would bring it in. Now, Sambazon is a staple of our grocery trip as I have a bowl a day. My favorite way to eat it is... a couple handfuls of raspberries (or a full banana), 4 packs of frozen Sambazon Açaí, tablespoon of Flaxseed oil, scoop of Greens+, and a couple splashes of Ceres juice (any flavor but make sure it is just a little juice or it gets too watery!!) blend it all together nice and thick helping it along with a knife if needed. When it is done throw on a 1/4 cup of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seeds. This is about the healthiest meal/snack I can think of and it tastes awesome! I am so pumped to support a company like Sambazon who is doing business the right way, Fair Trade and organic. They are a real model of good corporate practices and they rule because they get açaí to Canada!! Enjoy!


Andrew Ference, Boston Bruins-NHL

That's Awesome.

Written by Cameron Faist, Sambazon Event Coordinator.

I have been here at Sambazon for 6 months now in the marketing department and can’t explain how happy I am to be at a company like this. As the event coordinator, I get to experience the Sambazon brand first hand. I am lucky enough to see the stoke on people’s faces when they have their first taste of the delicious purple berry. Sambazon has such a unique appeal about it that I have a few experiences with consumers that I would like to share.

This past month at X Games we were asked to cater to the athletes lounge for the 6th year in a row, something no other company has done. It was interesting to see that a fair amount of the athletes were sponsored by products that they don’t even consume. Many of those athletes came up to me in the Sambazon booth and told me they love our products and consume them all the time. Since there were no cameras allowed in the lounge they were able to eat their Sambazon Açai Bowls in peace, but if they left the lounge they had to sneak their Amazon Energy cans and Strawberry Samba smoothies out in their backpacks. One top skateboarder was even about to drink a Sambazon bottle to refuel between heats during the main event but was reminded by his manager that he had to go out of sight of the cameras and public. What a cool phenomenon: These top athletes are craving Sambazon and they are forced to drink it behind the scenes.

Back in April, Sambazon was out at Coachella Music Festival with 3 booth locations. One customer came up to me at the Camping booth and said, “I’m so stoked you guys are here, every year that I come to Coachella I only eat Sambazon for 4 days” He said eating Sambazon helped him stay hydrated, keep cool, and have sustained energy throughout the concert.

Sambazon is so much more than a brand and a drink. Its a lifestyle; a sustainable lifestyle.

-Cameron

Kevin Johnson wins Gold, Fueled by Amazon Energy

My Bowl, My Life.

Written by Andre Genovesi, Pro-skater and Sambazon Ambassador,

When I was 12 years old back in Brazil I discovered a taste for this thing called açaí and I used to eat like a ice cream or a dessert and people probably thought I had major ADD, just think about it, a 12 years old after a 20 oz bowl of açaí. Today they probably still think the same – a 27 year old with a major ADD case. But the reality is I never thought that açaí would be a major part of my diet but as an atlete, açaí is something that gives me energy and strength. It’s not like a energy drink that 10 minutes after you drink it you come down and get all depressed - açaí makes me keep going and going with real energy.

Nowadays a big bowl of açaí with bananas and granola is pretty much my lunch or a late breakfast daily, which keeps me fit and motivated to skateboard, surf, ride my bike or work out. And the best part is every bowl tastes better that the one before.

-Dre

Bob Burnquist wins Gold at X!

Congrats to Bob Burnqusist who wins Gold at X-Games 2008 Mega Ramp

Bob goes head to head with the best on the monster of all skate ramps, the "Mega Ramp."

Sambazon Acai Smoothie by Sal Masekela of ESPN (XGAMES '08)

ESPN announcer and Sambazon Fan Sal Masekela shows us how he mixes up his Sambazon Açaí smoothie.

X Games Photo Gallery

Check out a few photos of the Team Sambazon with Bob, 13 year old street skating phenom Nyjah Houston, and Motocross master Kevin Johnson sporting the Amazon Energy helmet.

Bethany Hamilton's Sambazon Breakfast Smoothie

Pro Surfer and Sambazon Team Rider Bethany Hamilton shows us how she makes her Sambazon Açaí smoothie every morning.

Worlds Collide, Sambazon Style

Written by Jill Ettinger, Eastern U.S. Promotions Manager

One of my favorite things is seeing people enjoying themselves. I see that a lot working in the marketing department at Sambazon. Whether it's at a store demo or a big festival with thousands of people, that first-taste-of-acai-smile never loses its power. One of my other favorite things is music - and the way it can put us in such a mood that we have to move our bodies. It's ever so wonderful when these two worlds collide.

As I climbed up to the Great Hill in Central Park last Saturday I could hear the music trickling over the steps as I got closer. Then the crowd appeared spread out on the grass, anxiously waiting for an afternoon they'd not soon forget. This was the 6th annual Festivus, hosted by Electronic Music Umbrella (emu.org) - a non-profit organization committed to bringing electronic dance music to hungry ears - and hips - free of charge.

July in New York City can be unbearably humid, but this Saturday afternoon was about as perfect as they come. The dj’s felt it and so did the crowd of several thousand. Everyone began to move in harmony, a pulsing energy spread through the park and suddenly, my eyes began to notice, everywhere I looked: bottle after bottle of Sambazon.

We donated several hundred bottles for the event along with some other vendors, but all I could see were purple and green bottles on blankets, sticking out of pockets, in hands, being lifted up towards anxious mouths.

I began approaching people who weren’t out dancing and asking them if they knew what they were drinking, many were Sambazon supporters, but a surprising number of people were “first-timers” getting a taste of the magical purple berry in this surreal environment as ambient rhythms mingled with nature. It made me think of what it must be like deep in the Amazon, where the harmonious sounds of birds and critters mingle with the rich scents of the forest as fresh acai is harvested.

It felt like a completed circle - the smiles that surrounded me mirroring the smiles of our happy family in Brazil that keep sharing this incredible superfood with us, and the mission of EMU to also share a gift of another kind with happy dancers. I smiled as I thought of how we get to keep doing this again and again...and again. Then, I started to dance.

-Jill

Bob Burnquist Autograph Signing at Whole Foods Market Cedar Center Ohio

Stop by for free Sambazon samples, an autographed poster, and enter to win a month supply of Sambazon Açaí!

See Bob Burnquist at:

Whole Foods Market
Cedar Center
13998 Cedar Road
University heights, OH 44118

July 20, 2008 from 1:30- 3pm

First Experience with Sambazon in the Amazon

Written by Scott Koch, VP Operations

From LAX to Miami to Manaus (where’s that?) to Belem to our hotel in Macapa ….It took 22 hours to get to the mouth of the Amazon river…but WOW, it was worth it!!! During my 28 years of food manufacturing experience – which includes dairy, meat, and bakery - I figured that I had pretty much seen it all and worked with everything that it takes to make a food product: the various types of raw materials and ingredients, manufacturing plants, processes and systems, and employees. Boy, did I find something fresh and anew when I visited Sambazon’s Açaí processing plant at Santana, in the Amapa region of Brazil.

The facility and the equipment were state-of-the-art and clean as a whistle and the employees of the plant were focused and dedicated to their tasks…despite the high heat and humidity. Sambazon is dedicated to its employees – by providing clean uniforms and boots daily, three meals with the rest periods, transportation to and from work, and a doctor on site during work hours. The harvesters of the fruit were proud to be associated with Sambazon, and welcomed us into their homes. From the jungle to the plant to the port, it felt like a tight-knit family on a mission to make difference.

In a nutshell, Sambazon is making a difference with its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, in the middle of the Amazon jungle, processing the highest quality açaí products in the world, while supporting the sustainability of the Amazon Rainforest and offering the natives of the land an opportunity to earn a good living. WOW!!! All this from one company?!?! And I get to work for this company and support these initiatives?? Is my dream over?? I don’t think so…it’s just the beginning of Sambazon pioneering a new paradigm for food manufacturers to follow into the future…

Açaí!!

-Scott

"Acaaaaaaiiii...!"

Written by Mihoko Hakata, illustrator, fine artist, writer, and poet.

"Acaaaaaaiiii...!"
The magical word!

I met this wonderful Sambazon smoothie at a Mexican restaurant when we used to live on a sail boat in New York harbor. I was so excited to find this mysterious exotic name in the menu. They had the Sambazon brochure at the counter and I began learning about Sambazon and I’ve been eating it ever since!

Here is my simple tasty recipe for your smoothie:

Banana
water
pure acai frozen smoothie pack (no sugar added)
frozen peaches
frozen blueberries
frozen strawberries

Vary the amount of each ingredient as you like and the key is to put the banana first so that your blender will have an easy start.

Cherish this beautiful purple color... pour into your glass... icy tart freshness on your hot tongue, play with a little bit of sweet chunks, all the goodness into your throat, stomach, then spread into your whole body, even into your tiny veins.

Aaahh... the simple goodness of mother nature!


Acai lover mihoko ;D
Relax & Feel Good at
www.MihokoHakata.com

*My dear Jeremy Black asked me to illustrate acai berries for Sambazon a little while ago and here is one of the artworks with me inside! Yes, I love dancing and acai berries make me dance!!

Açaí Recovery

Dean Randazzo, New Jersey’s most successful professional surfer, was stricken with cancer in 2001. He was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and has been battling the disease ever since. This is what he wrote us yesterday.

Sambazon Açaí has helped me so much during my during my cancer treatments. Açaí is such a rich food source packed with anti-oxidants, protein, and other essential nutrients its basically a meal replacement. What was amazing for me was during my first stem cell transplant I was very sick and nauseated I couldn't eat barely anything. I sent my mom to the the store to get some Sambazon Açaí drinks, it was the only thing that I could keep down during that period of treatment. You are so extremely depleted from all of the treatments and lack of nutrition and food intake; the Sambazon Açaí drinks were vital to my nutrition while undergoing this treatment and also for recovery.

Going into this recent stem cell transplant I knew it was vital to have plenty of Sambazon Açaí drinks on hand during my hospital stay. I can't prove anything but my stem cells kicked in on day 10 and the average is 12-14 and my blood counts shot back up to normal ranges in a couple days! My doctors where asking what I was drinking because they would ask what I ate each day and I would say 4 Açaí drinks they then asked what that was and I told 'em and they said they were going to research it. I told them that they should and that it would benefit a lot of other patients.

If I had to pick one of the Sambazon drinks my favorite is the Strawberry Samba smoothie, but I like all of them. I really appreciate the support from Sambazon - many thanks.

- Dean

New packaging hitting your local store now!

Sambazon Açaí Smoothies & Juices – the bottles got a facelift and nutrition benefits have been boosted – but the product has the same great taste you’ve always enjoyed.

Smoothies: Supergreens, Strawberry Samba and Mango – You’ve asked and we’ve listened! Each smoothie now has at least 20% less calories and fat, but still the same great taste, entirely natural ingredients and high level of nutrition.

Juices: Original, Antioxidant Trinity and Rio – Keeping your health top of mind! Each juice now has increased Vitamin C to super boost your immunity.

On the new packaging you’ll notice that we’ve changed our serving size from 10.5oz to 8oz, a more standardized serving size for retail beverages, making it easier to compare our nutritional information to other retail beverages.

Each Sambazon Smoothie and Juice is packed with at least 120 antioxidant-rich Açaí berries, which is much more than any other Açaí beverage out there.

We hope you enjoy our product improvements and as always, we look forward to hearing what you think! Please email feedback@sambazon.com with your comments.

Tchau,
Team Sambazon

Otto Flores - Green Protein Machine

Pro surfer Sambazon Ambassador Otto Flores shows us his favorite Açaí creation, the Green Protein Machine.

If you think you can do it better.. .DO IT! Get your video recipe on youtube and email the link to recipes@sambazon.com.

On the Road

Written by Jorge – Truck Driver

I started working for Sambazon in the summer of 2006 as a driver. When I started out on the roads, I noticed youth and families waving at me. In the beginning, I thought they were people I knew, but I continued driving and the waving, smiling and honking got more frequent and I realized it was because of the Sambazon truck. When people saw the truck they’d hold their Sambazon bottles up, give me a thumbs up… well, right on! I knew then that I was working for a cool company. My personal opinion is that people are thankful to Sambazon because we give back to the community with the health benefits and great taste of our drinks.

I like making new cool friends and getting and giving the good energy while I am working. I even got a Sambazon bumper sticker for when I’m driving my personal truck, so that I can still rep for the cause when I’m not working.

So next time you see one of our vans driving around, make sure to wave and say hi. Hope to see you on the roads!!

- Jorge

#7 Bottles, BPA, Recycling and the Man

Written by Jeremy Black, VP of Marketing

In the last week there's been a lot of press about a chemical found in some plastics called BPA (Bisphenol A). This chemical has been found to contribute to hormone disruption and a host of other things. It's commonly found in Nalgene Sport bottles and some other hard plastic bottles (like baby bottles so check yours out). It's a good thing they are bringing this to light and hopefully they'll do the same with other things like all the artificial sweeteners people are drinking in diet drinks these days!

But there's a lot of confusion about what products have BPA and what don't and to our horror there was a so-called "expert" on the Today Show who said "Avoid all #7 bottles"... well, that really sucks, because our bottles have a #7 on them and DO NOT contain any BPA.

The #2, #6, #7 symbols you find on the bottom of bottles is very antiquated like many other government systems. Our #7 bottles are so state of the art (containing a special barrier that helps preserve freshness) that they don't have a way to classify them, so they get a #7.

Same goes with Recycling, many people believe that #7 bottles cannot be
recycled and that's not always true. If you notice on our bottle we've now got a "#2 compatible" stamp on them- this is something we had to petition and pay the manufacturer to start printing for us so people understand that they can and should be recycled like any other #2 bottle.

It's crazy what an irresponsible statement made by a so-called "expert" can do to a young company like ours trying to promote healthy organic products. You'd think the guy might be working for THE MAN. In the last week we've gotten tons of email and phone calls from concerned customers, one who actually threw the bottles in the trash and wanted a refund! After this simple explanation, everyone is very happy to hear we don't have BPA in our products and they can continue to enjoy Sambazon Açaí Products. So please help us out here, pass it on that Sambazon bottles are 100% Safe, 100% Recyclable, and 100% Delicious.

Blessings Always-

Jeremy Black
Sambazon

A Love Affair

Written by Eric Bowler, North East Sales Manager

My love affair with Açaí has been a long and sultry one. My first taste of it was back in 2003 when I had my first Brasilian Carnival experience. That nine-day trip was so good that I decided to return the following year – for four months. If could do it all again, I would have stayed longer.

Regardless, this is when I really got hooked on Açaí. Fast forward one year and I am working part-time for Sambazon in San Diego, thanks to a contact I had made while I was in Brasil. Almost three years after that, I’m now based in NYC managing Sambazon grocery sales in the North East. It’s amazing how a plane ticket can change your life.

It’s also amazes me how many people still have never heard of Açaí. When I’m introducing Açaí to someone for the first time, sometimes they look at me like I’m crazy and ask me if I actually eat the stuff. I almost laugh when I tell them I’ve eaten it everyday for the past 3 years.

-Eric

Bowl is the Goal

Written by Matthew Lau, National Sales Manager - Foodservice


What do I mean by the bowl is the goal? The infamous Açaí bowl is what people fall in love with when the travel to Brasil. Sambazon originally was founded to bring this prized meal to the masses. It can be made with the basic recipe (2 packs Original, 1/3 banana, 4oz Apple or Soy...blended thick with granola and banana on top) or you can add other fruits, juices, toppings etc. My favorite bowl these days is 2 packs Pure, 4oz Vanilla Hemp, 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1/3 banana...blend thick and top with granola, banana, hemp seed, and coconut. There is no better way to start the day!


I have worked for many great brand leaders in my career, but Sambazon takes social responsibility, positive work environment, and environmental awareness to a new level. There is a huge sense of pride working for a company that has a goal to save the most precious natural resource on earth (Brasilian Rainforest) and also stands behind some of the original motivations to give back to the land, Brasilian people, and overall humanity.


My days are spent doing reports, filling out endless paperwork and trying to keep up with all the sales leads that get passed my way or are acquired at the countless tradeshows. But what I enjoy most is talking to a sole-proprietor wanting to launch Açaí and helping them through the process' of recipes, point of sale, and promotion. The true reward comes when that owner calls back 1 month later and says something like "My juice bar is over flowing with people needing their Açaí bowl. Thank you for helping me transform my business. People are truly addicted to having their bowl everyday just like you said."


Keep loving, relaxing, breathing, absorbing, giving, and eating bowls and bowls of Açaí!!!

- Matt


Picture: Serving bowls at 4,000ft on Mt Hood (Oregon).

Açaí Everyday

Written by Rob Machado, Pro Surfer, Team Sambazon

Açaí, I'll take it anyway it comes... but if I had to choose one, it would be Açaí blended with soymilk (or rice milk), and frozen banana. Pretty simple... keep it thick. Take your bowl and put a layer of granola in the bottom of the bowl... before you put the Açaí in. Then the Açaí. Then more granola on top with whatever fresh fruit you can get your hands on... bananas, strawberries, blueberries, etc. A little bee pollen and some honey and its a done deal.

The first time I had Açaí was on the beach in Rio. I was blown away. I ate it everyday while I was in Brazil. When I got home I was craving it and it was nowhere to be found... that was until Sambazon came along. I was so stoked to finally be able to brew up a batch of Açaí in my own home. I think I eat it just about everyday... and I still love it.

Working with a company like Sambazon is a dream come true. Knowing that you are promoting a product that is protecting the rainforest almost doesn't even sound like it could be possible... but knowing what Sambazon has done and is continuing to do in Brazil makes you feel proud to represent a company like this.

-Rob

My First Sambazon Experience

Written by Shayne McIntyre, Team Sambazon Pro Surfer

I had bought the plain Sambazon Açaí frozen sticks at Henrys because I had noticed this psychedelic Amazon Indian staring at me from the frozen bin. Thought why not, and I liked the fact that they made a version without sugar. I then went home and mixed it in a smoothie with bananas/mangoes/honey etc... it's still my favorite way eat Sambazon.

Shannon and I are stoked to align ourselves with a company like Sambazon that pays attention to more than profits...We respect that Sambazon looks to better those in the Amazon through their various efforts in the region and abroad. It's fun to make money, it's even better when you can share the wealth.

Shayne McIntyre – Sambazonian

---------------------------------------

Shannon & Shayne McIntyre, along with their son Banyan, just started a TV show called "On Surfari" for FuelTV. They travel to crazy weird places to surf, while making it culturally/historically/politically educational, throw in some food & interaction, a joke or two, and get all personal. We at Sambazon love the show and think you will too, so check it out here.

Adelmo Jr. - The Conscious Bowl

Pro skateboarder and Sambazon ambassador Adelmo Jr. teaches us the secret to his favorite Açaí bowl.

If you think you can do it better.. .DO IT! Get your video recipe on youtube and email the link to recipes@sambazon.com.

I do not drink the Coke, I only eat the Açaí

Written by Pato Banton, legendary reggae artist.

One of the things I love most about Brazil is the fact that you can stop at almost any corner store and get a 100% natural fruit smoothie made while you wait. I used to watch the natives lining up to purchase a dark purple, very thick and rich looking beverage. My curiosity got the better of me and once I tried the Açaí experience I was hooked.

Sambazon has created the most authentic Açaí experience outside of the Amazon

I love all the Sambazon products but my favorite has got to be the Original Açaí Sorbet as it reminds of being on the coastline of Brazil.

I like to eat it with sliced bananas when it's just about to melt. MMMMMMMMMMMMM It's the same feel good experience as eating ice cream except it leaves me feeling totally re-energized.

The conservation of the environment through sustainable business is the only intelligent way forward to reverse the condition that exists on the planet today. If human beings are going to be mass consumers, we also need to be mass producers of renewable resources. I love and support Sambazon because of their business ethics and conscious approach to the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest and the economy of the local community.

One Love Always

Pato Banton

Blog #1 ala Stroup

I’ve decided to take some time to reflect on how far Sambazon has come since I’ve been with the company. March 2008 will be my two year anniversary. Two years of hitting the mean streets of LA County and beyond.

March 2006: Sambazon was on the cusp of a new era in sales. Conventional markets such as Vons/Pavilions, Albertsons and Stater Brothers were just around the corner. We were about to make the big jump from the natural foods world to the mainstream market most of the US frequents. Augh...explaining ACAI, organic and omegas to the masses. This was not going to be an easy one.

We came onto the Vons/Pavilions scene with a bang. Straight into the produce department, nudged between Odwalla and Naked. Not too shabby for the new guys on the block. Then the demos began. (This is where it gets good.) The questions I’ve heard have never ceased to amaze or entertain me. “Is there chocolate in there? Why is it so dark?” INSERT BERRY EXPLINATION. “Oh. So it’s made from blueberries?” No, the berry is actually purple and 98% seed. They’re about the size of a blueberry but grow on palm trees in the Amazon. “So they’re blueberries from the Amazon?”

2007: We launched in Albertsons and Bristol Farms in Southern California. Both have embraced us with open arms. The Acai buzz is spreading and stores want what we’ve got-the best Acai on the market. Our growth has been amazing this year. March 2006, I oversaw approximately 24 accounts. Today it’s 188 accounts! Throughout all this growth, we’ve managed to stick to our roots as a fair trade, sustainable, organic company. Something to be proud of!

On a personal level, I’ve listened to every cd and tape I own and now have ventured into the world of talk radio. Next is books on tape. Maybe even a foreign language cd. My car is my mobile office and second home at times. As we keep growing, I keep going.

So cheers to 2008 and the adventure that awaits us all. Cheers to the group of amazingly dedicated people who work for this company all of the way from Brazil to the US. We are putting the vision to reality!!

"In this great future you can’t forget your past." - Bob Marley

- written by Jennifer Stroup (Southern California Sales Manager)

Sustainability – What does it mean?

Written by Ed Nichols (Skanda), co-founder


Holy cow! Am I the only one who’s blown away with how much talk I hear of sustainability? Words like recyclable, compostable, and sustainabily have become serious buzzwords. How awesome is that? Have you ever wondered what sustainability is really about?

If you look the word up, sustainability in the general context is about the degree to which a given system can maintain productivity for an indefinite amount of time. Such a cool concept, eh? Makes me think of things like cold fusion and perpetual motion magnetic motors. Perhaps it’s idealistic optimism but I really think we’re starting to figure some things out. I just saw something the other day about a newly invented paint that somehow cleans polluted air and yet another paint technology which uses nano-solar cells to produce solar energy from sufaces. Imagine combing these two technologies… Producing energy and cleaning the air via the paint on the walls and roofs of our buildings and roads! It’s going to be fun and fascinating to see how innovations like these are applied and integrated into our everyday lives.

* The industrial age was certainly an important era in human evolution but I think the sustainable age will be downright blissful! Here’s to balance, harmony, love, compassion, acceptance, peace and effortlessness power!

Your Friend,
Skanda

First Encounters with Açaí

Written by Richard Matusow, Director of Sales

Açaí is one of those rare products that people get passionate about and remember the details of their first encounter.

In 2001, I hadn't been in Rio for more than a few hours when I saddled up to a corner juice bar to try the purple stuff that everyone had told me about. Since I couldn't pronounce it, I just pointed to someone next to me and in broken portuguese asked for "um desses". Over my 9 months in Rio, Açaí became an integral part of my daily routine. The more I ate bowls of Açaí with granola and drank the refreshing smoothies, the more I wondered what the heck the stuff was. I incessantly asked juice bar owners where it came from and what it looked like in it's natural state. The stories ranged from it's a fruit from northeast, period, to it grows on bushes on the Amazon River. Sometimes I wonder if people outside the US that have been introduced to Açaí by people like us know more about it, than the regular juice bar customers on the beaches in Brasil.

Amazon Jungle comes to NYC - February 8, 2008

Written by Leah Howe


It was a blessed day in New York City, in February, when the Amazon Jungle made a warm and lush 3 hour debut. Heating our bodies, bringing attention to climate change and the importance of sustainable business ventures as investment opportunities (via DWS Scudder), and giving us at Sambazon a chance to reach out to hundreds of people in the financial district with some education and free organic açaí smoothies and juices.

The event was a wonderful success, drawing 4 or 5 times the amount of people expected to attend (about 1400). Most of the attendees were financiers interested in investment opportunities with companies who are working toward a green and sustainable future. With Capoeria performances, a live dj, parrots, an anaconda snake, a very intimate space, and just a few other sponsors there to share information and sample products, there was plenty to keep the attention of the jungle goers.

There was a magnificently warm and inquisitive climate in people’s attitude toward learning about açaí and about our sustainability mission in the Amazon. Although there were many attendees who were familiar with our products there were equally as many who were not. All were thrilled at the opportunity to know more about a company who is not only a purveyor of incredibly nutritious and delicious açaí products, but a company who is “putting their money where their mouth is!”

Cheers to that!
Leah


And just in case you were wondering, all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated in the course of the event were offset by an investment in a high-quality emission reduction project, the Bagepalli Biomas Project. The Bagepalli project is an UNFCCC registered CDM project under the Kyoto Protocol.

What makes a great company, Part 2?

Written by Ed Nichols (Skanda), co-founder

We all experience inspiration from time to time. Be it from reading about the stories of others successes or simply observing small acts of selflessness amongst our fellow man. In continuing our exploration of what makes a great company great, I’d like to explore the concept of inspiration and aspiration.

During our maiden trip to Brasil in the month of December in the year 2000, we were overwhelmed with Brasil’s richness of spirit. The people, the food, the lifestyle were all so deeply laden with a deep sense of passion. Brasil’s richness of spirit inspired us more and more deeply as our month long vacation unfolded.

How does inspiration work? Anything which awakens our heart and instills passion and motivation to evolve and grow.

What is aspiration? The resulting longing of the soul towards something greater as a result of inspiration.

Some related words and subjective elaborations born of direct experience are offered for further contemplation of this blog’s primary topic of inspiration/aspiration:

• Dharma – The practical manner in which one’s aspirations take shape. The path one takes as a result of their aspiration.
• Karma Yoga – When ones’ work is motivated by a sincere aspiration and is exercised in a spirit of selfless service.
• Miracles – It has been said that when your aspirations transcend selfish motivations and align with nature’s own flow, they cease to be illusive and happen spontaneously.

Your friend,

Skanda

Get with the Pleasure of Eating Açaí

written by Jeremy Black, marketing dude


I have always been copied on all the emails that come to our website and nothing is cooler than hearing from people just after returning from a trip to Brasil where they first had Açaí and got fully addicted to it (the same way we did- and as a result started this company). They are always so grateful that they could find Açaí in a local store or order it from our website.

For them (and for us) it wasn’t about the antioxidants, the healthy omegas or even that Oprah called it the #1 superfood (don’t get me wrong- all that stuff is great). But you don’t hear about that stuff in Brasil when you fall in love with Açaí, they just tell you it’s “good for you”- and your body tells you the same.

I never get tired of Açaí, like I never get tired of red wine or chocolate. I’ve been told it’s because of the complexity of the flavor and the satisfaction you get from the omega fats. And that all makes sense, but I also think it’s because it just makes you feel good when you eat it. It makes you want to eat better cause you realize how good you can feel after eating something.

Every day I blend up smoothies or bowls and it’s a pleasure. My brother told me once (months before I even tasted Açaí for the first time) that it’s so good that when you get to the bottom of the bowl, you use your spoon to scrape up the very last drop at the bottom- and I always do. If you’ve never had a real-deal Brasilian style bowl of Açaí, I encourage you to get your hands on 2 packs of Original Açaí, 1/2 a banana and a splash of juice. Blend it up nice and thick and top it with granola and bananas- it’s truly amazing.

Blessings and good vibes- JB

Skanda Blog #1 – What makes a great company, Part 1?

With our day to day work continually evolving towards greater complexity, it’s easy to loose sight of our original guiding principals. I’d like to take a moment to reflect upon and explore the concept of Vision.

Sambazon was born of a sincere passion to share what we considered to be a true gift of nature. In our case this “gift of nature” was an exotic Brazilian palm fruit called Acai. This passion evolved from a simple passion to share our love of a special fruit into a vision to commercialize the fruit, utilizing it as a vehicle to drive preservation while providing the American consumer with a potent source of nutritional attributes to aid the preservation and sustainability of their own wellbeing.

The importance of Vision – We’re all blessed with great ideas from time to time. How many times in your life do you have “Ah-ha” moments, those great epiphanies, and moments of intense clarity? What prevents us from manifesting/actualizing these visions? A great yogi once explained to me that a visionary is simply “one who nurtures his/her vision”. Yogis strengthen their ability to visualize through specific visualization exercises and meditate to surrender their subconscious’ preoccupations to create an inner state of receptiveness.

It seems like every day science and the self-help community awakens a bit more to what is really a very simple concept: Energy follows consciousness and consciousness follows energy. In other words, re-occurring thoughts eventually lead to action, actions repeated become patterns, patterns become habits and the sum of all our patterns and habits become our character. To put it even more simply, what happens in our life happens first in our head.

So how do we prevent great ideas from falling to the wayside? Nurture your vision! See it from every angle. Experience your vision with all your senses. When your vision is firmly rooted in your consciousness, the energies necessary to manifest it will align in front of you. Not such a different concept to a law of nature which most question little, I.e., for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

In closing, I’d like to leave you with a practical affirmation to support you in your practice to nurture your own visions: “if you don’t give up, you’re bound to succeed”.

Your friend,
Skanda

Save Trestles

What: Crucial Vote to Save Trestles at California Coastal Commission

When: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008. Please arrive by 9A.M.

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds at Wyland. Hall 2260 Jimmy Durant Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014

Just off the I-5 in the Del Mar at Via de la Valle.

Check the destruction...

Amazon in NYC

NFL's Tony Gonzalez & his Acai Smoothie in the Wall Street Journal

Sambazon on INC 500 America's Fastest Growing Private Company List

We were ranked #186 for fastest growing companies! Read the article...

Sambazon Re-Mix

Thanks to our friend, Sambazon video footage, interviews and more have been revived with the "SAMBAZON and Geisan Varne project."

Thanks Bob for being such a great ambassador of Sambazon!

Bob drinks acai for energy...We can't help it if that energy makes him a skateboarding badass! Check out his shameless promotion for Sambazon on the nationally televised DEW TOUR. We caught it and posted on youtube for your viewing pleasure.

Sambazon Promotes Green Transportation in NYC

New York City is one of the greatest cities on earth but hot humid days in the concrete jungle in the summer months can be a little rough on your lungs. Sambazon is powering a fleet of bicycle based 'rickshaws' you can hire and ride as you would a taxi...and get a free sambazon smoothie as a token of our appreciation for contributing to a cleaner + greener Manhattan!! A bike is the most energy efficient vehicle on the planet AND getting a ride home by the rickshaw bikers is a whole lot of fun and often quicker than sitting in a cab in gridlock!! New Yorkers and Big Apple visitors look for our rickshaws all summer long.

This Green Ride Powered by the Purple Berry!

Sambazon Ambassador Jon Rose

Jon Rose, pro surfer and Sambazon ambassador has perfected his bowl and is sharing it with you! Enjoy the video recipe & thanks Jon for sharing your acai secrets.

If you think you can do it better.. .DO IT! Get your video recipe on youtube and email the link to recipes@sambazon.com.

Sambazon Tribal Tour

Sambazon's Tribal Tour has continued to rock its way from one music fest to another through-out the US - serving up healthy and delicious acai to festival revelers at FarmAid at Randall's Island in NYC , mega-fest Austin City Limits in Austin, TX and Earthdance in Laytonville, CA. In addition to lineup of legends that included Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews, Farm Aid was a great opportunity for Sambazon to be a part of the Good Food Movement by helping raise awareness about the loss of family farms and raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Sambazon brought an added twist to the offering with new awareness of family farmers in the Amazon. And ACL and Earthdance was outstanding as ever with festival-goers and musicians who couldn't get enough of Sambazon. Next up we're at Greenfest in Washington D.C. October 6-8 and The Echo Project - a first ever event in Atlanta, GA with a great line up including The Killers and many others. October 12-14. NorCal Sambazon fans - we'll also be at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival -a free fest in Golden Gate Park that draws a great crowd.

Check out dates and info here and for photos on the road here!.

Pictured above - Fans beat the Texas heat at ACL with Sambazon açaí!

Athlete Profile: Rob Machado

Rob has been a fan since we first brought açai to the US back in 2000. He's one of the coolest guys you'll ever meet, environmentally conscious (w/ his own organic lines coming out w/ Reef and Hurley), a dedicated father, musician and arguably the most stylish surfer on the planet.

If you get a chance to see "Surf's Up" this summer Rob (along w/ good friend Kelly Slater) got casted as one of the animated penuins and helped the filmakers make sure the animation was all legit.

We're proud to have him as one of our brand ambassadors. Rob claims Sambazon products "are the real deal" and if you know Rob you know that's saying alot. Besides winning the Pipe Masters and multiple US Opens, last month he led Team USA in in the X-games where they won the gold medal- Congrats! Rob loves to blend up bowls for his girls at home and his favorite smoothie is the Supergeens Revolution.

Thanks for all the support brother!