In recent years, acai, a common fruit in the Amazon region which is used to produce food and beverages, has conquered more and more consumers, both in Brazil and around the world. Known for its energy properties, the fruit can be consumed in many ways: in the form of cream or pulp served in a bowl served with other fruits or in a delicious smoothie. No wonder, franchises specialized in acai have quickly become popular.
If you are interested in exploring this gigantic market, but still have some doubts, check out below some good reasons to invest in this segment without any fear. We will also present Brazilian acai franchises which participate in Franchising Brasil — the result of a partnership between the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF).
- It’s a healthy food
Acai has enormous nutritional value, in addition to fiber, minerals and antioxidant substances that make it a highly desired food for those looking to take better care of their health. Also, it’s a great source of energy to start the day more energetic. These benefits make acai a very attractive option both for those who want to stay in shape and for those who just want something more refreshing on hot days.
- Allows diversification
Acai is a product which offers a wide range of options, it can be consumed in different ways, such as in smoothies and creams served with other fruits. As it is a healthy food, it is also possible to sell other items other than acai in the establishment, such as juices, sandwiches, natural ice cream, among others. By further diversifying the menu, it is possible to increase the public without being exclusively dependent on acai, which tends to be sold mostly on hot days.
- It’s a growing market
Acai franchises are no longer just a trend and now form a very well-established segment. And with the healthy food segment in full growth, acai has also conquered an increasing space in the franchising market. According to data from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), the consumption of acai increases by about 15% each year and is currently responsible for creating at least 25 thousand direct jobs in Brazil.
- Requires low investment
For those who are looking for an investment opportunity, but still don’t have a lot of capital, acai franchises are a great option. For starters, they can be easily installed in kiosks, which greatly reduces the cost of leasing commercial space. And by working with a frozen product, storage and waste costs are much lower.
- It is a typical Brazilian fruit
Usually found in the Amazon region, acai is one of the main products exported by Brazil. The country is responsible for 85% of the fruit’s worldwide production. This feature offers some unique competitive advantages for franchises focused in acai: the unmistakable exotic flavor, tropicality and, of course, all the Brazilianness that only Brazilian franchises are able to offer – and which is easily recognizable anywhere in the world.
Interested? So check out some Brazilian açaí franchise options that are available right now for internationalization:
Oakberry is an acai franchise with units in 23 countries, such as the United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, China, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Colombia, Chile and Peru. With more than 500 units spread around the world and more than 1 million acai bowls sold per month, it is a solid success in four continents. In addition, the brand has two commercial models (complete store or kiosk) that meet different needs and are adaptable to any market.
Tropicool is a brand originated from the partnership between the Sheikh of Qatar “Moe” Al Thani, his brother Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani and the Brazilian businessmen Caio Nabuco and Maurício Esteves, who met at Harvard. With the aim of taking acai to the world, but maintaining its original flavor, the company operates based on sustainability and food safety. To acchieve this, Tropicool dispenses plastic, works through a certified extraction and has a replanting project that benefits families in the Amazon.
Goola Açaí is a healthy fast food franchise that takes care of everything: from planting to distribution of all the acai sold in its units. The acai produced by the company has the best international quality certifications on the market, which attests its 100% natural origin, without the use of preservatives or dyes. These characteristics contribute to an even healthier, tastier and more nutritious product.
Founded in 2014, the Açaí Concept franchise has more than 400 stores throughout Brazil, and is also present in nine other countries. Its focus is on producing and distributing acai in unique, comfortable stores, with a modern layout and in a practical and hygienic format. Currently, the franchisee can choose between four investment model options: Store in Store, kiosk, container and regular store.
The Maria Pitanga Açaiteria franchise was created in 2012, founded by investor João Batista Ximenes in a small kiosk. With the continuous experience, it gained power to grow, opening its first franchise just a year later. Today, with more than 90 franchises spread across Brazil, the company sells exclusive recipes, has its own manufacturing, produces more than three tons of açaí per day and offers more than 52 different flavors of açaí, sorbets and gelato.
About Franchising Brasil
Franchising Brasil is a joint project of the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), which aims to support the internationalization strategy of Brazilian franchise networks and their international trade promotion. The initiative was conceived to promote this recognized business model in the main international markets.