From the Amazon Rainforest to a Smoothie Near You, Planet Smoothie Expands Superfoods Menu Selection

July 6, 2009
From: SYS-CON Publications
News Link: http://ca.sys-con.com/node/1025220

ATLANTA, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Smoothie, home of the original "pure" Acai smoothie, announces today its partnership with Sambazon, the Acai global leader, to launch three new smoothie flavors in a limited-time offer: Amazon Energy, Amazon Cherry, and Jungle Fruit Fuzion. Superfood smoothies -- made from the powerful Acai berry and the newly discovered Amazon Cherry -- pack a punch of nutrients and powerful benefits for every lifestyle.

Planet Smoothie is answering consumer demand for the healthiest and best tasting smoothies on the planet with the addition of the following menu items at all participating locations:

• Amazon Energy is made with Sambazon's Amazon Cherry and organic Acai Berry "Amazon Energy" Drink, which is 100 percent natural. Loaded with Vitamin C and rich in antioxidants, this smoothie is enhanced with the rainforest botanicals guarana and yerba mate for energy. Planet Smoothie is the first smoothie concept to launch the Amazon Energy smoothie.
• Amazon Cherry is the newest superfood discovery. Known for its distinctively creamy and refreshing taste, Amazon Cherry has 10 times the amount of Vitamin C in orange juice with less sugar. Its antioxidant power boosts immunity and combats stress.
• Jungle Fruit Fuzion contains two Amazon superfruits, Acai and Amazon Cherry. The smoothie contains two times the antioxidants of blueberries and 10 times the amount of Vitamin C found in orange juice.

All three creations are available for a limited time, from July 1 through October, at all participating Planet Smoothie locations. Each distinctive new smoothie includes the same fresh ingredients that have made Planet Smoothie a lifestyle destination for more than 13 years.

"We place a strong emphasis on educating our customers about the nutritional benefits of the products we offer," says Chris Morocco, CEO of Petrus Brands which owns Planet Smoothie. "This rollout is consistent with our aggressive strategy to set a new industry standard where consumers can find literally some of the healthiest products on the planet. Sambazon has been an outstanding partner for Planet Smoothie and we are thankful for their continued support of Planet Smoothie."

Planet Smoothie is also expanding this promotion outside its locations with the use of Facebook and Twitter. Throughout the limited-time offer, Planet Smoothie will be offering followers and fans the opportunity to win free smoothies and to play interactive games testing the knowledge of Acai. Facebook users that are looking for the perfect gift to send to family and friends this summer can send the gift of virtual superfruit smoothies from Planet Smoothie. To send your favorite smoothie, check out the Planet Smoothie Facebook gift application.

For more information about winning free smoothies this summer check out www.facebook.com/planetsmoothie and www.twitter.com/planetsmoothie.

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie is among the top smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers. In 2007, Planet Smoothie was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept, one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country. Planet Smoothie was named one of the "Sweet 16" in the 2008 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers list as a brand that sets itself apart in the dessert, beverage and yogurt category. Planet Smoothie currently operates more than 125 locations. For more information, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

About Sambazon

Sambazon is the global leader in Acai. Founded in 2000 as the first company to bring the antioxidant-rich Acai berry from the Amazon to North America, Sambazon's mission is to deliver high quality organic Acai products to the planet. Sambazon's product line of Organic Acai Juices, Frozen Acai Smoothie packs and Sorbets, Acai Supplements and Energy Drinks are enjoyed by world-class athletes and health-conscious consumers everywhere. Sambazon is also the leader among organic foods and sustainable agriculture. In November of 2006, Sambazon was named a winner of the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence for helping to create worldwide awareness and demand for the Acai fruit. Sambazon pioneered the first of its kind Fair Trade and Certified Organic supply chain of Acai which benefits thousands of local families and protects the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest through sustainable agriculture. Sambazon is the largest vertically integrated supplier and marketer of Acai products, controlling every step of the manufacturing process to ensure sustainable and organic origin of the fruit as well as the highest level quality, nutrition, and taste. To learn more about Sambazon Acai and creating positive change in the Amazon and beyond please visit www.sambazon.com.