Acai Roots plans expansion after Brazilian investment
A spokesman for the company told NutraIngredientsUSA.com: “I am not allowed to disclose the actual number, however, it is significant for the current growth we are experiencing.
“The investment will also cover product-development costs, it will be used to back-up our growing operations (logistics, distribution, sales, retail, etc), and at the same time it will allow us to provide marketing support to our brand.”
High-quality products
The spokesman added that the investment would not affect product quality. “In many cases, when companies partner with investors they change the formula of their products to make more profits, and this is not the case with Açai Roots. Marco Aurelio, the lead investor, believes in what we are doing and he wants to maintain our goal to deliver high-quality products.”
Açai Roots estimates the size of the US retail market for açai products to range between $70-100m. If current trends continue, it expects the market to double every two years. In Brazil, the value of the açai market is estimated to be worth $1bn.
The company, which produces a range of açai frozen pulp, açai freeze dried powder and capsules, açai liquid concentrate and energy shots, açai smoothies, and pure açaí juice, considers itself to be the number two brand in its market segment.
Aside from building business in the US, South America is an obvious region for further expansion. “We would love to be in South America prior to the 2014 World Cup in our homeland, Brazil,” said the company spokesman.”
Marco Aurélio added: "This is an idea that we have started to plant the seed. There is no reason to avoid this possibility.”
Chronic inflamation
Rich in anthocyanin pigments that give it the berries their characteristic deep purple color, açai is associated with consumption of antioxidant pigments linked to reduced risk or prevention of cancer, diabetes, chronic inflammation, heart and vascular disease.
In addition to antioxidants, açai contains omega fatty acids, phytosterols and dietary fibers: nurtures a better digestive system. It is also a source of protein, calcium, vitamins A, E, and B6.
Açai Roots manufactures and distributes pure açaí berry products formulated by native Brazilians and pledges to respect sustainable harvesting methods and local communities.
