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Açaí Isn’t Just a Superfood, It’s a Movement for the Planet

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Açaí

Exclusive Interview with Ryan Black, CEO & Cofounder, SAMBAZON

SAMBAZON’s presence at Gulfood 2025 highlights your global reach. What are your key objectives for participating in this major event?

SAMBAZON’s participation in Gulfood 2025 underscores our commitment to expanding the global reach of açaí and driving awareness around sustainable superfoods. Our key objectives include:

– Showcasing our new branding and product innovations to industry leaders and consumers.

– Strengthening relationships with existing and potential distribution partners across the Middle East and beyond.

– Reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and Fair Trade by educating stakeholders on how responsible sourcing impacts both people and the planet.

– Aligning with emerging food trends to position açaí as a key player in the evolving health and wellness movement.

What trends in the food and beverage industry, especially around superfoods like açaí, do you anticipate seeing at Gulfood 2025?

– Functional foods & beverages: Consumers are prioritizing nutrient-dense foods with health benefits, and açaí is at the forefront with its antioxidant-rich profile.

– Plant-based and clean label nutrition: There’s a growing demand for organic, minimally processed, and transparently sourced products like ours.

Sustainable and ethical sourcing: With heightened awareness about environmental impact, brands with traceable supply chains and strong sustainability commitments like SAMBAZON will continue to gain traction.

– Exotic superfruits in everyday diets: Açaí’s versatility makes it a perfect fit for smoothies, bowls, and on-the-go nutrition, aligning with the trend of convenient yet nutritious eating habits.

Can you share more about SAMBAZON’s Fair Trade initiatives and how they’ve impacted local communities in the Amazon?

SAMBAZON was founded on the principle of conscious capitalism, ensuring that our açaí supply chain is ethically and sustainably managed. Through our Fair Trade Certified program, we:

– Pay premium wages to family farmers in the Amazon, fostering economic growth in rural communities.

– Reinvest in local infrastructure projects, including schools, healthcare facilities, and clean water initiatives.

– Promote biodiversity and rainforest preservation by supporting sustainable harvesting techniques.

To date, our Fair Trade Fund has generated over $1 million in direct contributions to Amazonian communities, helping create a more sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Açaí has become a global superfood sensation. What do you believe fueled its rise, and how has SAMBAZON shaped that narrative?

– Health & wellness movement: As people seek nutrient-dense foods, açaí stands out for its antioxidants, healthy omegas, and low sugar content.

– Social media & food culture: Açaí bowls became an Instagram sensation, influencing their popularity worldwide.

– Sustainability & ethical sourcing: Consumers are drawn to brands with purpose, and SAMBAZON’s commitment to Fair Trade and sustainability has helped differentiate us.

– Product innovation: We’ve played a pivotal role in making açaí accessible through frozen packs, ready-to-eat bowls, and beverages.

SAMBAZON pioneered the first certified organic and Fair Trade açaí supply chain, making it possible for people around the world to enjoy açaí while supporting the Amazon and its communities.

What are some common misconceptions about açaí?

Despite its global popularity, açaí is still misunderstood in several ways.

– “Açaí is only a dessert.” In reality, açaí is incredibly versatile – great for smoothies, bowls, drinks, and even savory applications.

– “All açaí is the same.” Not true! Quality varies based on sourcing, processing, and ingredient transparency. SAMBAZON ensures premium quality with organic and sustainably harvested açaí.

– “Açaí is high in sugar.” Pure açaí contains no added sugar – it’s naturally low in sugar, with rich antioxidants and healthy fats.

From an NFL player to a social entrepreneur, your journey is inspiring. What motivated you to transition into the food industry and start SAMBAZON?

The journey to founding SAMBAZON was fueled by a passion for healthy living, sustainability, and making a positive impact. While traveling in Brazil, I was introduced to Açaí and discovered the incredible nutritional benefits of açaí and saw an opportunity to bring it to the world in a way that was ethical and environmentally responsible.

Our goal wasn’t just to build a brand but to create a business model that protects the Amazon rainforest, supports local communities, and delivers high-quality nutrition to consumers. That vision still drives us today. We are a Triple Bottom Line company.

Gulfood is all about discovering what’s next. What’s the next big thing in food delivery that you believe will disrupt the industry?

The future of food delivery is evolving rapidly, with several disruptive trends coming up.

– Sustainable packaging & zero waste solutions: Consumers demand more eco-friendly packaging, and brands will need to innovate to reduce plastic waste.

– On-demand superfoods & functional beverages: Consumers want quick access to high-nutrition products, and we expect a rise in superfood-based grab-and-go solutions.

SAMBAZON is already positioned for this shift with our ready-to-eat bowls and beverages, making superfoods more convenient and accessible.

Hospitality

A Normal Day Rolls Out a Fresh Menu at Dar Al Wasl’s Neighbourhood Bistro

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A Normal Day launches new menu at Dar Al Wasl bistro, featuring globally inspired dishes and neighbourhood dining.

Located in the heart of Dar Al Wasl, Jumeirah, A Normal Day has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s most talked-about neighbourhood dining spots. Conceived by a team of locally raised creatives, the bistro strikes a balance between sophistication and ease – somewhere you can drop by for a quick coffee and pastry in the morning, linger over lunch with friends, or settle in for dinner that feels both relaxed and refined.

The new menu builds on that philosophy, introducing a line-up of dishes that are inventive yet grounded, drawing inspiration from both global flavours and local tastes, while embracing the spirit of everyday eating and easy eating.

Breakfast has been refreshed with new favourites including Turkish Eggs, with poached eggs, tzatziki, and crunchy citrus oil served with pizza bread; Mushroom Toast, where sourdough is layered with truffle provolone, sautéed mushrooms, chewy onions, and macadamia nuts; and the Sour Cherry Muffin, a
fresh-from-the-oven bake with white chocolate, sesame, and a side of raspberry butter.

For lighter bites and starters, the menu brings bold sharing plates: Foul Madames Dip with fava beans, tahini, cumin, and spices; classic Tzatziki with fresh cucumber and herbs; Charcuterie Chips, pairing house-made crisps with salami, pickle chilli, mayo, paprika, and parmesan; and Roasted Beetroot with Feta and Nuts, combining baked beetroot with smoked feta, caramelised walnuts, and rocket.

New main courses showcase the bistro’s playful, globally inspired approach: Casarecce with Trapanese Pesto and burrata; the Kimcheesburger, with kimchi cabbage, kimchi mayo, cheddar, and fries; crisp Chicken Schnitzel with herb butter and coleslaw; and the Focaccia Sandwich, stacked with beef mortadella, fresh figs, pesto, and stracciatella.

To close, Date Pudding takes its place on the menu permanently – making a comeback from their Test Kitchen Series. It’s a moist date cake with toffee sauce and ice cream, offering the perfect sweet ending. With art-lined walls, warm interiors, and a buzzing energy that flows from morning to late, A Normal Day
continues to redefine what dining out in Dubai feels like: creative, comfortable, and always memorable.

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Hospitality

Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine

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Cancaro's product lineup

As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead.  With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.

What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen.  In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.

DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:

  • Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
  • Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
  • Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.

“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”

Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.

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Hospitality

DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

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Alessia Zecchini, world champion freediver, in yellow and black wetsuit smiling by the ocean before diving event at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”

Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.

This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.

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