It coincides with a rising demand for açaí within the UK foodservice market. Sales data showed açaí bowls were Grubhub’s most-ordered item in 2020, with orders rising 359% in one year. With just under half (41%) of Gen Z and millennials having had an açaí/smoothie bowl in the past six months, Sambazon’s açaí bowls will appeal to consumers looking for a nutrient-rich breakfast or uplifting snack.
Described as a superfood, açaí is a high-antioxidant berry that grows in the Amazon Rainforest. Low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, as well as providing a natural energy boost, açaí has quickly become one of the fastest-growing products in the food industry.
The Joe & The Juice açaí bowls will come topped with banana, cacao nibs, granola, hemp seed and peanut butter and are available from £8.50.
Mari Laidlaw, managing director Europe, Sambazon, said: “This is an exciting time for Sambazon as we partner with Joe & The Juice to help its customers reap the benefits of the world’s most powerful superfood. Full of goodness and extremely Instagrammable, our açaí bowls fit perfectly with Joe & The Juice’s existing menu and tap into growing consumer demand for açaí bowls.
“We believe there is untapped potential for açaí bowls, especially in the wellness, education, entertainment and travel sectors. Sambazon has secured over $50m in funding in the past 18 months and this partnership is an important step in our global growth ambitions as we increase our distribution network.”
Olivia Abrahmsohn, head of product development, Joe & The Juice, said: “After extensive research, we found Sambazon to be the açaí supplier for our brand. The flavour of the Sambazon açaí is delicious, with the authentic earthy and woody flavour of açaí, which is well balanced by a mild sweetness and clean and refreshing finish. The easily scoopable format offers an easy way for us to quickly serve the product to our customers. We can’t wait to share the new and improved açaí bowl with the community.”
Sambazon açaí bowls are supplied to Joe & The Juice’s UK locations via Brakes.