Açaí, traditionally rooted in the food culture of Northern Brazil, has crossed borders and become a true global phenomenon. In recent years, this Amazonian superfruit has gained special prominence in the Arab countries, especially in the Gulf nations and the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

The growing demand for healthy and functional foods in the region has fueled the popularity of açaí, which quickly became a symbol of energy, nutrition, and exclusivity. More than just a trend, açaí has become part of the modern, health-conscious lifestyle that defines the new Arab consumer.

From the Amazon to the World

The journey of açaí to the Middle East began naturally, with Brazilians and tourists who brought the habit of consuming the fruit abroad. It first appeared in luxury restaurants and international hotels, finding its place in sophisticated menus and wellness-focused gastronomy.

Over time, the global fitness and healthy living movement strengthened its presence. Açaí evolved from an exotic novelty into a sought-after item, now featured in cafés, juice bars, and health-focused restaurant chains.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha: The New Açaí Scene

In cosmopolitan cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, açaí is already a star ingredient. Local and international brands offer it in many forms; bowls, smoothies, shakes, and frozen desserts. Consumption has grown rapidly, attracting everyone from tourists and executives to young people eager for new global experiences.

Today, açaí can be found in premium cafés, five-star hotel restaurants, and natural food chains. Its appeal aligns perfectly with the modern Arab consumer, someone who values health, sophistication, and authenticity.

Juice Bars and the Healthy Lifestyle

Juice bars, dedicated to nutrition and well-being, have become meeting points for those seeking energy, convenience, and flavor. In these spaces, açaí appears in various forms: bowls with fruit and granola, protein smoothies, creamy sorbets, and gourmet versions with honey, dates, or nuts adapted to local tastes.

This cultural adaptation has been essential to the fruit’s success, blending Brazilian flavor with the preferences and traditions of Arab consumers.

The Role of Brazilians and the Young Arab Audience

Another key aspect of this expansion has been the role of the Brazilian community and expatriates. Many Brazilian entrepreneurs introduced açaí to new markets, sharing their passion and expertise in its preparation and consumption.

At the same time, young Arab consumers quickly identified with the fruit. Associated with energy, sports, vitality, and an active lifestyle, açaí has become an ally for those seeking balance between healthy eating and modern living.

The Importance of Halal Certification

A crucial milestone in this journey was the growth of Brazilian açaí exports with Halal certification, a mandatory seal for selling food in most Arab countries.

In 2015, several Brazilian companies began investing in certification and adapting their production processes to Halal standards, paving the way for safe and sustainable exports. The first major step took place in the United Arab Emirates, and the success of these operations soon attracted interest from neighboring markets, establishing the Middle East as one of the main destinations for Brazilian açaí.

A Rapidly Expanding Market

Today, a significant portion of Brazil’s açaí exports are directed to the Gulf region and the Middle East. Beyond the region’s high purchasing power, local consumers value premium, authentic, and exclusive products, especially those with natural origins and proven functional benefits.

Recent studies indicate that the healthy food market in the region is expected to grow more than 10% annually by 2030, driven by increasing awareness of health and well-being, fertile ground for açaí to keep flourishing.

Açaí Town and the Future in the Middle East

At Açaí Town, we proudly follow this global expansion and actively participate in it. Our purpose is to bring the true flavor of the Amazon to the world, always respecting local cultures and maintaining the highest standards of quality.

We hold international certifications, including the Halal seal, and offer a complete product line tailored to the Arab market, from bulk packs and food service containers to ready-to-eat cups that preserve the fruit’s original flavor, texture, and nutrients.

Our commitment is to strengthen Açaí Town’s presence in the Middle East, expanding partnerships with cafés, hotels, restaurants, and brands that believe in the power of this Amazonian superfruit.

Açaí has always been part of Brazil’s food culture, especially in the North, where it has been consumed in various ways for centuries. However, it was only in the late 1990s that the fruit began to take on a new identity: surfers discovered that açaí blended with guaraná syrup, served cold and topped with granola and fruits, was refreshing, nutritious, and perfect for replenishing energy after long hours in the ocean. This gave rise to the famous açaí bowl, which soon became one of the biggest symbols of Brazil’s healthy cuisine.

With this growing popularity, it didn’t take long for the product to cross borders and reach the United States, where it quickly found its place amid the natural and functional food trend. Marketed as a superfood rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients, açaí began to be consumed in gyms, spas, and wellness centers. Its image as a pre- and post-workout food solidified the fruit’s presence in the American market, a perception that remains strong today.

The Power of Digital Trends

If açaí’s early growth was driven by the fitness community, in recent years social media has become one of the main forces behind its expansion. Viral videos on TikTok and Instagram showcasing creative ways to enjoy açaí from traditional bowls to smoothies, frozen desserts, and gourmet combinations have turned the fruit into a global trend.

According to Google Trends, in 2025, interest in açaí reached one of its highest search peaks ever recorded in the United States. This surge in popularity not only boosted demand in gyms and restaurants but also led to the product’s entry into supermarkets and convenience stores, making it more accessible for everyday consumption.

Key U.S. Regions

Açaí consumption in the United States is particularly strong in certain strategic areas:

• California and Hawaii: Coastal regions with a strong healthy-living culture, where the açaí bowl has become a staple.
• Florida: Driven by the tropical climate and a large Latin, especially Brazilian, community that helped popularize the product.
• New York: A multicultural metropolis that embraced açaí in both premium markets and urban cafés and kiosks.
• Colorado: Known for its active, sporty lifestyle, where açaí is positioned as an energy-boosting and functional food.

These regions share key elements that support açaí’s growth: warm weather, tourism, vegan and fitness-oriented consumers, and the influence of Latin communities.

From Brazil to the World: Açaí Town’s Role

Today, açaí in the United States continues to grow and is now part of the daily routine of millions of consumers. It appears in multiple formats from mall kiosks and café menus to gelaterias and ready-to-eat retail products.

At Açaí Town, this movement is part of our story. We currently maintain active exports to more than eight sales points across the United States, bringing the authentic essence of our original Brazilian product to meet a market that’s increasingly demanding and passionate about açaí.

By combining tradition, innovation, and authenticity, we continue to expand our international presence proving that Brazilian açaí is more than just food; it’s a cultural and gastronomic experience that has conquered the world.