Step aside, frozen yogurt! There’s a new treat in town stealing the spotlight: açai bowls (pronounced ah-sigh-EE). Açai bowls have taken the world by storm, but what exactly makes them so irresistible to consumers? Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about açai from its origins, the rapidly growing market, how profitable selling açai can be for your business, and uncover our secret to serving the perfect açai bowl.

What is açai?

Açai is a reddish-purple berry that comes from South American palm trees. Indigenous tribes in the Amazon have enjoyed açai berries for centuries, but their introduction to North America is relatively recent. While you may have only started hearing about açai bowls in recent years, they’ve been part of the American scene since the early 2000s. These bowls are crafted by blending açai berries or açai berry puree with fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries to create a smooth, creamy smoothie-like base. This mixture is then served in a cup or bowl and garnished with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, granola, honey, Nutella, coconut flakes, and more! Açai berries are known for being high in vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making them a great option for consumers looking for a guilt-free, heart-healthy, treat.

Is the açai market growing?

The açai market is rapidly expanding year after year with no signs of slowing down. As of 2023, the global açai market was valued at USD 1,482.26 million, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2023 to 2024. It is estimated that by 2033, the market is expected to reach USD 3,775.26 million. The increasing demand can be attributed to the perceived health benefits associated with açai berries, driving its growth on a global scale.

Is açai profitable?

So we know the açai market is growing, but does that mean it’s profitable for your business? Like any business, it can be profitable if executed properly! Açai bowls are not only trendy but also appeal to health-conscious customers who might not currently be part of your regular crowd. With a pricing range typically between $7 to $12 per bowl, you could potentially enjoy a profit margin of 30-50%. One of our customers, Oakberry, has over 1,000 stores in over 40 countries, and is expected to reach over $200 million in revenue in 2024 alone. The numbers don’t lie!

What is the best way to serve açai?

Choosing the right method to serve açai can significantly enhance your profits. Did you know that it’s possible to use soft serve machines and frozen beverage machines to dispense açai? While many believe açai can only be served by blending or scooping from tubs, these methods are actually quite inefficient. Opting for Spaceman machines (like Oakberry does), for example, keeps açai chilled in the hopper throughout the day, where it’s continuously mixed by the hopper agitators and maintains the perfect consistency in the freezing cylinder. This eliminates the need for manual scooping or blending, ensuring your açai is always ready to serve, even during peak hours. The consistency will always be perfect and you’ll be able to serve customers 10x as fast!

Interested in diving into the açai craze? Whether you’re looking to start a new açai shop, integrate açai into your existing establishment, or upgrade from traditional blenders to a Spaceman machine, now’s the perfect time to start turning berries into big bucks! Get in touch with us at success@spacemanusa.com to learn more and get started on your açai adventure today!