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New York Post
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Açaí prices set to rise as US imposes 50% tariff on imports
Bowls and smoothies made of the Amazon berry açaí have become ubiquitous in many cities across the US, but consumers may think twice about shelling out after Friday when a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil kicks in. Nearly all of the açaí pulp sold in the U.S., as well as in Europe and Asia, where people have also developed a taste for the tangy fruit, comes from Brazil. If no trade deal is reached between the Trump administration and the Brazilian government, the bowls could cost significantly more at hundreds of shops from New York to Los Angeles. Advertisement 4 A 50% tariff on açaí imports will kick in on Friday. New Africa – 'People already complain a bit about the price. If it gets more expensive, I guess it will become more of a luxury thing,' said Ashley Ibarra, who manages a Midtown Manhattan store owned by Playa Bowls LLC, a New Jersey-based company with around 300 shops in the U.S. With toppings like banana and granola, a bowl of açaí costs around $18 at Playa Bowls in New York. Competitor Oakberry Inc., the world's largest açaí chain with 700 stores in 35 countries, sells a smaller portion at a nearby Manhattan store for $13. Advertisement Playa Bowls declined to comment on the tariffs, and Oakberry did not respond to a request for comment. Açaí companies tout the product as an energy booster, a powerful antioxidant and a source of Omega-3 and other nutrients. The Food and Drug Administration said more research is needed to evaluate its possible health benefits. 'A friend introduced me to it one day, and I loved it, so I occasionally buy it,' said Milan Shek, 50, who was having an açaí bowl mixed with cereals and fresh fruits one recent afternoon in New York. Advertisement With a large markup, he said he would probably eat it less often. 4 A Playa Bowls location in New Orleans. William A. Morgan – Brazil's production and exports of açaí have skyrocketed in recent years. The berry went from being a local delicacy in small towns in the state of Para where it is mostly grown, to a widely popular treat across Brazil. Soon, exports began to be sent to other countries. Advertisement Production increased from around 150,000 metric tons 10 years ago to nearly 2 million tons last year, according to data from Brazil's statistics agency IBGE and the governments of Para and Amazonas. The U.S. is the largest foreign buyer, followed by Europe and Japan. 4 Açai production was 2 million tons last year, up from 150,000 tons 10 years ago. Imago Photo – Nazareno Alves da Silva, head of the Amazon Açaí Producers Association in Para, said companies were calculating how to absorb such a large cost increase in order to continue exports to the U.S. He wasn't optimistic. 'Right now, we still don't know how to do it. The numbers don't match,' he said. The trade would get too expensive for many U.S. importers, while Brazilian producers would be unable to cut prices enough to accommodate the tariff, he said, adding that producers would likely have to find other markets. 4 A smoothie made of açaí and other fruits. REUTERS Even those without an açaí habit are likely to feel the pinch of the Trump administration's tariffs on Brazil. Advertisement The South American country supplies about a third of the coffee consumed in the U.S., as well as orange juice and beef.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
US lovers of Amazon berry açaí to feel tariff pinch
By Marcelo Teixeira and Oliver Griffin NEW YORK (Reuters) -Bowls and smoothies made of the Amazon berry açaí have become ubiquitous in many cities across the United States, but consumers may think twice about shelling out after August 1 when a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil kicks in. Nearly all of the açaí pulp sold in the U.S., as well as in Europe and Asia, where people have also developed a taste for the tangy fruit, comes from Brazil. If no trade deal is reached between the Trump administration and the Brazilian government, the bowls could cost significantly more at hundreds of shops from New York to Los Angeles. "People already complain a bit about the price. If it gets more expensive, I guess it will become more of a luxury thing," said Ashley Ibarra, who manages a Midtown Manhattan store owned by Playa Bowls LLC, a New Jersey-based company with around 300 shops in the U.S. With toppings like banana and granola, a bowl of açaí costs around $18 at Playa Bowls in New York. Competitor Oakberry Inc., the world's largest açaí chain with 700 stores in 35 countries, sells a smaller portion at a nearby Manhattan store for $13. Playa Bowls declined to comment on the tariffs, and Oakberry did not respond to a request for comment. Açaí companies tout the product as an energy booster, a powerful antioxidant and a source of Omega-3 and other nutrients. The Food and Drug Administration said more research is needed to evaluate its possible health benefits. "A friend introduced me to it one day, and I loved it, so I occasionally buy it," said Milan Shek, 50, who was having an açaí bowl mixed with cereals and fresh fruits one recent afternoon in New York. With a large markup, he said he would probably eat it less often. Brazil's production and exports of açaí have skyrocketed in recent years. The berry went from being a local delicacy in small towns in the state of Para where it is mostly grown, to a widely popular treat across Brazil. Soon, exports began to be sent to other countries. Production increased from around 150,000 metric tons ten years ago to nearly 2 million tons last year, according to data from Brazil's statistics agency IBGE and the governments of Para and Amazonas. The U.S. is the largest foreign buyer, followed by Europe and Japan. Nazareno Alves da Silva, head of the Amazon Açaí Producers Association in Para, said companies were calculating how to absorb such a large cost increase in order to continue exports to the U.S. He wasn't optimistic. "Right now, we still don't know how to do it. The numbers don't match," he said. The trade would get too expensive for many U.S. importers, while Brazilian producers would be unable to cut prices enough to accommodate the tariff, he said, adding that producers would likely have to find other markets. Even those without an açaí habit are likely to feel the pinch of the Trump administration's tariffs on Brazil. The South American country supplies about a third of the coffee consumed in the U.S., as well as orange juice and beef. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
US lovers of Amazon berry açaí to feel tariff pinch
NEW YORK, July 27 (Reuters) - Bowls and smoothies made of the Amazon berry açaí have become ubiquitous, opens new tab in many cities across the United States, but consumers may think twice about shelling out after August 1 when a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil kicks in. Nearly all of the açaí pulp sold in the U.S., as well as in Europe and Asia, where people have also developed a taste for the tangy fruit, comes from Brazil. If no trade deal is reached between the Trump administration and the Brazilian government, the bowls could cost significantly more at hundreds of shops from New York to Los Angeles. "People already complain a bit about the price. If it gets more expensive, I guess it will become more of a luxury thing," said Ashley Ibarra, who manages a Midtown Manhattan store owned by Playa Bowls LLC, a New Jersey-based company with around 300 shops in the U.S. With toppings like banana and granola, a bowl of açaí costs around $18 at Playa Bowls in New York. Competitor Oakberry Inc., the world's largest açaí chain with 700 stores in 35 countries, sells a smaller portion at a nearby Manhattan store for $13. Playa Bowls declined to comment on the tariffs, and Oakberry did not respond to a request for comment. Açaí companies tout the product as an energy booster, a powerful antioxidant and a source of Omega-3 and other nutrients. The Food and Drug Administration said more research is needed to evaluate its possible health benefits. "A friend introduced me to it one day, and I loved it, so I occasionally buy it," said Milan Shek, 50, who was having an açaí bowl mixed with cereals and fresh fruits one recent afternoon in New York. With a large markup, he said he would probably eat it less often. Brazil's production and exports of açaí have skyrocketed in recent years. The berry went from being a local delicacy in small towns in the state of Para where it is mostly grown, to a widely popular treat across Brazil. Soon, exports began to be sent to other countries. Production increased from around 150,000 metric tons ten years ago to nearly 2 million tons last year, according to data from Brazil's statistics agency IBGE and the governments of Para and Amazonas. The U.S. is the largest foreign buyer, followed by Europe and Japan. Nazareno Alves da Silva, head of the Amazon Açaí Producers Association in Para, said companies were calculating how to absorb such a large cost increase in order to continue exports to the U.S. He wasn't optimistic. "Right now, we still don't know how to do it. The numbers don't match," he said. The trade would get too expensive for many U.S. importers, while Brazilian producers would be unable to cut prices enough to accommodate the tariff, he said, adding that producers would likely have to find other markets. Even those without an açaí habit are likely to feel the pinch of the Trump administration's tariffs on Brazil. The South American country supplies about a third of the coffee consumed in the U.S., as well as orange juice and beef.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Acai bowl shop opens fifth central Ohio location
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A tropical chain known for juices and acai bowls has opened another central Ohio location. Playa Bowls is now welcoming customers at 1515 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place after hosting a grand opening celebration on May 24. The Polaris spot marks the brand's fifth in central Ohio, with other locations in Dublin at 6704 Perimeter Loop Road, New Albany at 5765 N. Hamilton Road, and near Ohio State University at 1952 N. High St. Disease affecting central Ohio strawberries The New Jersey-based chain opened its fourth Columbus-area storefront in Quarry Trails at 2193 Quarry Trails Drive in March 2024. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the Quarry Trails location in the video player above. Guests at Playa can pick from an extensive menu of bowls or customize their own. They can choose from a variety of blends made with acai, pitaya, coconut, kale, banana, oatmeal and mango. Toppings, such as fresh-cut fruits, seeds, nuts, granola, dried berries and nut butter, are also available as add-ons. The bowl shop also offers a selection of juices, smoothies, cold brews and other grab and go items. Playa's bowls can be made vegan or gluten-free, and can be adapted to integrate into Whole30, Keto and Paleo diets, its website states. Top places to find TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate treats in Columbus Playa started in Belmar, New Jersey, before expanding with more than 300 locations nationwide. The smoothie chain opened 74 stores in 2024 and 13 in the first quarter of 2025, with an additional 90-plus shops set to open before year's end and more than 350 units in the development pipeline. Along with its five Columbus-area locations, the chain operates other Ohio storefronts in Dayton, Loveland and Springboro. The Polaris shop is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National Smoothie Day 2025 deals: See what 11 chains are offering
Fans of fruity, health-forward drinks may rejoice, as National Smoothie Day is here. Whether you enjoy a classic strawberry-banana or a drink full of leafy greens, there's bound to be a choice for you on the smoothie menu. National Smoothie Day is Saturday, June 21, and is celebrated each year on June 21. Several smoothie and healthy food chains offer promotions for the "holiday," whether it be buy-one-get-one deals, special discounts or extra loyalty member points. Here is a roundup of different National Smoothie Day deals, from Smoothie King and Jamba Juice to Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Juice It Up! While this list includes several nationwide chains, local smoothie spots near you may be serving up special deals, too. Planet Smoothie VIP Rewards members can redeem one free 20-ounce Lunar Lemonade at Planet Smoothie on Saturday. To qualify, customers had to be registered Planet Smoothie VIP Rewards members by Thursday, June 19. The offer will be loaded to Planet VIP Rewards accounts on Saturday. The Lunar Lemonade is made with strawberries, lemon juice and bananas. To find a Planet Smoothie location near you, visit the Planet Smoothie website at The majority of Planet Smoothie stores are located on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Playa Rewards Loyalty Members can snag a free koozie with a purchase of a 20-ounce smoothie on Saturday at Playa Bowls, while supplies last at participating locations. The koozie is available for loyalty members who make purchases in-store, online or through the Playa Bowls mobile app. The koozie is not available with other offers or for order through third-party delivery services. To find a Playa Bowls location near you, visit the Playa Bowls website at Jamba Juice customers can purchase one 16-ounce Mango-A-Go-Go or Strawberry Whirl Smoothie for $1 between 3-6 p.m. local time on Saturday, while supplies last at participating locations. The deal is only available for in-store purchases, not in drive-thrus or walk-up kiosks. It is not valid with other offers or via third-party delivery services. To find a Jamba Juice location near you, visit the Jamba Juice website at Tropical Smoothie Cafe rewards members can redeem one free 24-ounce smoothie with the purchase of a bowl or food on Saturday at participating locations. To redeem, members must place an order on the Tropical Smoothie Cafe mobile app and use the coupon, "National Smoothie Day reward." The offer excludes Sunshine Smoothies, sides, sweets, snacks and kids food items. The offer is not valid with certain other offers or third-party delivery services. To find a Tropical Smoothie Cafe location near you, visit the Tropical Smoothie Cafe website at Through Saturday, Nekter Juice Bar Rewards members can purchase one smoothie and get another for 50% off, while supplies last at participating locations. The reward is only available for purchases made in the Nekter Juice Bar mobile app. To find a Nekter Juice Bar location near you, visit the Nekter Juice Bar website at On Saturday and Sunday, Smoothie King Healthy Rewards members can redeem a buy-one-get-one free smoothie. Today through Saturday, customers can redeem one free Indulgent Smoothie when visiting participating locations in person. To find an Edible Arrangements location near you, visit the Edible Arrangements website at Friday, June 20, through Saturday, Clean Juice customers can redeem a free 16-ounce smoothie with the purchase of another smoothie when ordering through the Clean Juice mobile app. To find a Clean Juice location near you, visit the Clean Juice website at Robeks customers can purchase one small Strawnana Berry or Mahalo Mango smoothie for $1 between 3-6 p.m. local time on Saturday, while supplies last at participating locations. To find a Robeks location near you, visit the Robeks website at Juice It Up! Rewards members can purchase a medium classic, specialty or plant-based smoothie for $5 on Saturday. Rewards members will also be entered into a chance to win free smoothies for a year (one free medium classic, specialty, or plant-based smoothie for 12 months). The sweepstakes window is open for rewards members from June 21 to June 28. To find a Juice It Up! location near you, visit the Juice It Up! website at Vitality Bowls loyalty members will receive 10 extra points with the purchase of any smoothie on Saturday. To find a Vitality Bowls location near you, visit the Vitality Bowls website at Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See deals 11 chains are offering for National Smoothie Day 2025
