The Palm to Palm story of SAMBAZON'S Açaí, from the palm of an Açaí tree to the palm of your hand, begins with our harvesters who live and work in the Amazon rainforest – sometimes referred to as "the lungs of the Earth." Our harvesters are the reason Açaí can travel far beyond Brazil, across the United States and around the world.
Since SAMBAZON's beginning, our goal has been to support harvesters and their communities while delivering to you the highest-quality, most delicious Açaí possible. To do this, we oversee each step of our Açaí's journey, creating direct relationships with our harvesters. It's all part of our model of Açaí traceability, which means we know exactly where our berries come from and track each step of their way to you.
SAMBAZON's Açaí harvesters sustainably harvest thousands of pounds of Açaí each year from towering trees that produce the nutritious, delicious fruit. Some harvesters call Açaí "the gold of the Amazon." This superfood is not only the source of their livelihoods; it is a major part of their diets, eaten with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Because Açaí is so deeply woven into the fabric our harvesters' lives, they have a vested interest in seeing that the trees flourish, which helps preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
Our desire for ongoing, positive impact on our harvesters' lives is why our CEO, Ryan Black, founded SAMBAZON nearly 25 years ago. Not only do we support the livelihoods of our harvesters; we also fund community development projects, ranging from education to healthcare, investing in positive and lasting change. You can read about one of our Fair Trade projects here.
In 2024, SAMBAZON wanted to better understand how our harvesters feel about us. Are we doing enough? How can we do better? As they look into the future, what are their biggest challenges?
We were mostly happy and humbled by what we heard, and we want to share a few of these insights with you.
93% of harvesters say that since working with SAMBAZON, their lives have improved.
According to those surveyed, they don't worry as much about who will buy their Açaí since they work with SAMBAZON. They also noted more financial stability, with higher prices and purchase guarantees through us. They also think the quality of their product is better.
"My quality of life has improved because here where we work, it is difficult to get in touch with big companies and SAMBAZON came straight to us. They valued both our product and our work. Recently, they provided us with equipment for the Açaí harvest, something no other company comes even close to doing."
94% say their income has increased since working with us.
By working with SAMBAZON, harvesters say they are receiving a higher price for their Açaí. This can be attributed to our Fair Trade practices that guide our work with them and production plant employees in Brazil, as well as our headquarters and cafes in the United States. Fair Trade means respect for human rights, fair working conditions, respect of the ecosystem, promotion of biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices, and respect and betterment of local communities.
"With SAMBAZON, we got a broader knowledge of harvesting and excellent fruit. With an excellent fruit, we get an excellent price – we can sell it better."
87% of our harvesters say their harvesting has improved since working with SAMBAZON.
"...when I started working with SAMBAZON, things changed. We started expanding our ideas, adopting new technique and new projects. The quality also improved after their instructions. They gave us new horizons and a different mindset. The way we process Açaí and how we care for the environment, which is the most important part, changed a lot."
SAMBAZON invests in our harvesters, including specialized training and equipment, such as a canvas and knife with sheath to help keep them safe while working. We also offer educational opportunities such as financial literacy, as well as social services.
We work with our harvesters to ensure they understand and comply with all of our organic, Fair Trade and other requirements specific to SAMBAZON.
In 2024 alone, we completed Açaí management technical training for nearly all our harvesters. Our team conducted more than 1,700 visits this year to train and audit their practices. During these visits, we educate them on environmental requirements, such as no pesticide usage or harvesting of endangered species. Our team also instructs on protecting the fragile ecosystem where the Açaí palm trees grow in order to prevent erosion.
72% of harvesters rank "extreme heat" as the biggest risk to them resulting from climate change.
A distant second was "flooding," noted by 11%; followed by "deforestation," 6%;
"loss of biodiversity," also 6%; "pests," 2%; and "other," 8%.
100% of harvesters believe SAMBAZON contributes to the development of their community.
Guided by our Fair Trade principles, we funnel a share of profits back to the communities whose members help harvest our Açaí. By not only supporting the livelihoods of the harvesters, but also funding community development projects ranging from education to healthcare, SAMBAZON is investing in positive change. You can read more about our latest Fair Trade Project here.
After hearing from our harvesters, we hope you connect more closely to the people behind each Açaí smoothie you blend and every bowl you eat. Each SAMABAZON Açaí purchase you make is making a positive and profound difference in their lives – the people and families who call the Amazon rainforest home.
For more details, see our impact report here.
