Açai leader SAMBAZON eyes Japan, Middle East to drive next growth phase
World’s largest açaí brand SAMBAZON is building on rapid growth in Japan and the Middle East to establish açaí as a lifestyle in the region
“Açaí is a wild crop that grows in the middle of the jungle, and apart from needing to be handpicked by climbing up 20-metre tall trees, it is also very sensitive to temperature changes and needs to be processed within 48 hours or less,” SAMBAZON Senior Business Director of Global Business Development Maira Wong told us at the recent Gulfood 2026 show in Dubai.
“SAMBAZON is the only açaí brand in the world that has our processing facility located in the jungle, shortening the supply chain to have vertical integrated control as well as ensure same-day transportation and processing to maintain quality.”
Iran Conflict: What does this mean for global food sector?
The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat.
“In the midst of geopolitical unrest in the region, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) confirms that essential food commodities in the country are available in sufficient quantities in the markets and across the UAE, and that supply chains are continuing uninterrupted,” MoET said via a formal statement.
“The country’s strategic reserves of essential goods are highly efficient, comprehensive, and diverse, ensuring the ability to meet the needs of local markets for extended and reassuring periods. [All] essential food and non-food items are available in abundant quantities across all markets and retail outlets nationwide.”
Saudi introduces tougher controls to prevent food fortification fraud
New Saudi regulations tighten control of nutritional claims to curb food fortification fraud and protect consumers
The fortification of foods has emerged as a major strategy to improve product nutrient levels, with not only food manufacturers but also entire governments moving to mandate this at a national level, such as in India.
Unfortunately, food fortification has also provided unscrupulous parties with the opportunity to make fraudulent or unvalidated nutritional claims to consumers about their products, in order to increase their perceived value and hike up prices accordingly.
In order to prevent such violations, various governments are introducing new regulatory measures to tighten governance and Saudi Arabia has emerged as the latest market to update its regulations regarding food fortification and nutritional claims.
Abundant coffee crops; consumer wobbles and the Iran conflict: Another shake-up for coffee prices?
Coffee prices had finally started declining: but what’s next?
The coffee market has been defined by high prices over the last few years. The world’s largest producers of coffee – Brazil and Vietnam – were hit by bad weather, leading to reduced harvests and, consequently, higher prices.
Coffee prices reached record highs in 2025: before starting to fall. And prices have continued to fluctuate since then.
Iran at war: What food and beverage needs to know
Israel and US attacks on Iran have long-lasting implications for global food and drink industries.
We are following developments closely in this rolling coverage of what the Iran war means for the food and beverage industry. Here’s the latest.
