AgriSustainability Matters - Issue 19
Ambassador’s word
Dear friends,
The Amazon rainforest is home to unparalleled biodiversity and a wealth of natural resources. Among its many treasures is the açaí, a fruit that embodies the intricate balance between nature, culture, and local livelihoods. Recognised globally for its health benefits and culinary appeal, açaí also contributes to sustainable development in the Amazon, linking economic growth with environmental preservation and social inclusion.
In this edition of AgriSustainability Matters, Luís Fernando Beitum and Maria Luiza Benini explore the fruit's journey from forest to table, highlighting key players in the supply chain while shedding light on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of this thriving industry. Drawing on their extensive experience supporting producers and projects within the sector, the authors illustrate how economic activity and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
The Brazilian Embassy in London is proud to share the story of açaí as a symbol of sustainable development. In this article, we invite you to reflect on the potential of this extraordinary fruit to inspire collaboration across sectors, nations, and communities. Strengthening the açaí supply chain not only drives economic and social progress but also contributes to the preservation of one of the world's most vital ecosystems, safeguarding its legacy for generations to come.
In biodiversity, nutrition, and gastronomy, AgriSustainability Matters.
Enjoy the reading.
Antonio de Aguiar Patriota
Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom
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- AgriSustainability Matters #19
From the Amazon to the World: Pathways towards Sustainable Açaí
Luís Fernando Iozzi Beitum & Maria Luiza de Andrade Benini
Globally renowned for its vast biodiversity, the Amazon is home to natural resources of immeasurable value. Amongst these, açaí (Euterpe oleracea) stands out as one of the most iconic. This berry is essential for the food security, economy, and culture of local communities. Traditionally enjoyed by families in northern Brazil, açaí has gained international recognition and is celebrated for its antioxidant properties and health benefits. Its growing popularity creates an opportunity to develop the Amazon's bioeconomy, fostering the sustainability of the entire region.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of açaí, with the state of Pará spearheading the production chain, followed by Amazonas and Amapá. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE, 2022), Brazil produces approximately 1.7 million tonnes of açaí annually. Its supply chain connects over 300,000 people, including extractivists, farming families, cooperatives, agro-industries and traders. It is estimated that more than 150,000 families rely directly on managing açaí palms for their livelihood, with over 200 community enterprises operating within the sector. This intricate system not only generates income but also supports the conservation of the Amazon rainforest by encouraging sustainable management practices and reducing deforestation in floodplain areas.
The global açaí market is projected to grow from $1.23 billion in 2024 to $3.09 billion by 2032 (Market Data Forecast), with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2% over this period. These figures highlight the rising global interest in the berry and its derivatives. This trend reflects an increasing demand for natural and sustainable products, positioning açaí as a cornerstone of the global bioeconomy.
While there is increasing interest from Asian markets, including China, Singapore, and India, the main destinations for Brazil’s açaí exports are the United States, Japan, Australia, and European Union countries. The chart below illustrates the distribution of açaí exports from the state of Pará between 2016 and 2020. During this period, the United States accounted for 66% of total imports, followed by Australia, Japan, and European nations such as Germany, Belgium, Portugal and France.
- Figure 1
Although the volume of açaí exports is still small compared to other agricultural commodities, the market for the fruit continues to grow steadily. This trend points to a promising future for both the berry and its by-products. However, Brazil faces the challenge of meeting the rising demand, particularly during the off-season, and establishing itself as a leading processor and exporter — a position currently held by the United States. The US not only consumes a large quantity domestically but also exports substantial volumes of unprocessed fruits, having first imported the raw fruit. By leveraging its industrial and logistical infrastructure, the US adds value to the product before distributing it worldwide.
From Forest to Table
The açaí production chain involves a wide range of participants, from small-scale producers to large exporting agro-industries, encompassing several stages such as sustainable management, harvesting, processing, transportation and marketing.
In sustainable management, particularly in floodplain areas where many açaí groves are found, the selective removal of palms is practised to extract the heart of the palm and improve açaí productivity, while preserving other forest species. This ‘minimal impact’ approach boosts fruit production and conserves biodiversity by allowing native species to coexist with açaí. On upland areas, Agroforestry Systems (AFS), which integrate açaí cultivation with other species, prove highly effective in restoring degraded land.
By integrating açaí palms with other tree and crop species, AFSs contribute to soil restoration, boost biodiversity and generate income for local communities. Although precise data on the full extent of these practices are unavailable, studies underscore their significance for the Amazon. The Instituto Escolhas estimates that restoring 1.02 million hectares of deforested areas with AFSs could yield 156 million tonnes of food and remove 482.8 million tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Diálogos Pró-Açaí network highlights that traditional agroforestry systems in the region provide essential ecosystem services, such as habitats for birds and mammals, thereby promoting biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability. Moreover, research conducted by Embrapa scientists on açaí cultivation in upland areas in the Amazon reveals that the presence of native vegetation around plantations can boost açaí productivity fivefold (up to 433%) compared to plantations devoid of surrounding forests. These examples illustrate the potential of açaí-based AFSs to restore degraded land and foster sustainable production systems in the Amazon.
Following the harvest, efficient logistics are crucial due to the fruit’s perishability. To prevent deterioration, açaí should ideally be processed—especially for pulp production—within 24 hours of harvesting. This emphasises the importance of proper logistical systems. Due to infrastructure limitations in production areas, transportation is often handled by intermediaries.
Açaí processing can be either artisanal or industrial. Artisanal processing, carried out by batedores de açaí (açaí beaters), supplies local markets, preserving cultural traditions and sustaining many families. Industrial processing, on the other hand, caters to national and international markets, adhering to stricter quality and food safety standards. The ‘Bioeconomy of Sociobiodiversity in the State of Pará’ study found that while fruit harvesting in the forest accounts for 34% of the final product’s value, processing and marketing contribute over 60% of the added value. This highlights the importance of strengthening local agro-industries and investing in infrastructure to facilitate the addition of value within Amazonian territories, thus generating income and benefiting local communities.
Challenges and Pathways towards Sustainable Açaí
According to the Recommendations for the Sustainability of the Açaí Value Chain, published by the multi-stakeholder network Diálogos Pró-Açaí, the açaí production chain faces significant challenges despite its economic and environmental potential. When properly structured and supported, however, this chain has the potential to deliver substantial benefits to the communities involved in harvesting it, fostering economic inclusion, income generation and improved working conditions. Furthermore, sustainable management practices directly contribute to forest preservation by encouraging the responsible use of resources, reducing deforestation and maintaining biodiversity. This approach strengthens the role of local communities as stewards of the Amazon.
Key social concerns revolve around working conditions. Informal labour and the lack of safety measures expose workers to risks, undermining their quality of life and the social sustainability of the sector. Addressing these challenges requires the implementation of redistributive public policies such as the Food Acquisition Programme (PAA) and Bolsa Família, as well as protective policies like the Programme for the Eradication of Child Labour (PETI), which play a vital role in safeguarding children and adolescents. Additionally, policies aimed at economic development and capacity building, such as the National Programme for the Strengthening of Family Farming (Pronaf) and the National Policy for Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (PNATER), are critical. These initiatives support family farming and promote more sustainable and inclusive practices. Ensuring dignified and safe working conditions is essential for the sector’s social sustainability.
The so-called phenomenon of “açaização” (açaí-isation), characterised by intensive management of açaí groves to maximise production, poses a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Mitigating these impacts requires the adoption of agroforestry systems and low-impact agroecological practices that reconcile production with conservation. An example of this is the Manejaí initiative – a Centre for Reference in Native Açaí Grove Management in Marajó – supported by Embrapa. This programme has trained over 5,000 agro-extractivists in the Marajó region, promoting sustainable practices that have increased productivity from 1 tonne/ha/year to as much as 6 tonnes/ha/year, while preserving biodiversity. Such experiences demonstrate that sustainable management, combined with careful palm selection and the maintenance of species diversity, not only boosts productivity but also benefits local communities and enhances the environmental sustainability of the açaí value chain. To this end, investments in technical assistance training and integrated programmes across public, private and community sectors are essential. These efforts can help broaden the adoption of sustainable practices, reinforce the management of community enterprises and bolster regional economies.
Another noteworthy area for development is the potential for reusing açaí seeds. Technologies for producing energy briquettes, organic fertilisers and construction materials are increasingly being disseminated and refined, aiming to reduce environmental impacts while adding economic value to açaí production.
The Importance of Multisector Collaboration
To fully harness the growth potential of the açaí production chain, it is essential to prepare production to meet increasing international demand, enhance management practices, ensure local supply and diversify products derived from the fruit. Developing cosmetics, dietary supplements and functional foods adds value and taps into specialised market niches, with the use of anthocyanins found in the berry providing a competitive edge.
Overcoming challenges and implementing the proposed strategies are critical to strengthening the açaí value chain. Investments in infrastructure, public policies tailored towards local needs, technological innovation and greater integration across the various segments of the chain are indispensable. With coordinated strategies, açaí can consolidate its position as a global example of sustainable bioeconomy, fostering the development of Amazonian communities and reinforcing their role as stewards of the forest. These communities play a pivotal role in conserving natural resources while bolstering their economic inclusion.
The Diálogos Pró-Açaí network, launched in 2018, is an example of an initiative that integrates many different agendas. Comprising over 90 organisations—including companies, government agencies, cooperatives, NGOs, and research institutions—it aims to bring together different stakeholders to strengthen the sustainability of the açaí chain through integrated solutions. The network’s recommendations address common challenges in the Amazonian bioeconomy, such as land tenure security, technical assistance, traceability, access to credit, and public policies. Cross-sector collaboration maximises resources and expertise to overcome these obstacles.
Coordinated efforts can amplify environmental benefits, preserve biodiversity, and secure sustainable livelihoods. By adopting sustainable strategies across the value chain, açaí can become a global model of responsible bioeconomy, benefiting Amazonian communities while meeting the demand for products that contribute to the conservation of the Amazon rainforest and its vital ecosystem services. Multisector collaboration is essential to achieve balanced development and to harmonise economic, social and environmental goals.
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About the authors
Luís Fernando Iozzi Beitum holds a degree in Public Administration and a master’s in Sociology from São Paulo State University (UNESP). He is the Co-founder and Projects Director at Instituto Terroá and a member of the Executive Secretariat of the Diálogos Pró-Açaí Network. With 15 years of experience, he has worked as a university lecturer, forest auditor and consultant for organisations in Brazil and Germany. He currently manages projects aimed at strengthening the value chains of socio-biodiversity, promoting sustainable territorial development and socio-economic inclusion in the Brazilian Amazon, with a focus on socio-bioeconomy, socio-environmental certifications, public policies, education and climate change.
Maria Luiza de Andrade Benini holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from São Paulo State University (UNESP) and a master’s in Applied Social Sciences from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). She has 10 years of experience in sustainable rural and extractivist production and sustainable territorial development. She is currently a project manager at Instituto Terroá and part of the Executive Secretariat of the Diálogos Pró-Açaí Network. Her work focuses on socio-biodiversity value chains, sustainability standards for production chains, traceability, socio-environmental certifications and socio-economic inclusion.
As in all articles in the AgriSustainability Matters bulletin, the views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or the position of the Embassy of Brazil