#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