2006 Press Releases
OTA applauds Sambazon for State Department Honor
California company produces açaí juice and smoothies
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 6, 2006)--The Organic Trade Association (OTA) applauded its member company Sambazon as it received the State Department's 2006 Award for Corporate Excellence. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the honor at a ceremony today at the State Department, recognizing the work Sambazon has done to sustain the Brazilian rainforest and its inhabitants.
OTA Executive Director Caren Wilcox praised Sambazon for its commitment to organic manufacturing while at the same time protecting the fragile eco-system that exists in the rainforest. "Ryan Black and the Sambazon team deserve all the recognition bestowed upon them today and more. Sambazon produces a delicious, nutritious organic product, while benefiting the economic situation of indigenous people and the vitality of the Amazon rainforest," said Wilcox, who attended the State Department ceremony.
Sambazon, headquartered in San Clemente, California, manufactures and sells organic açaí products - juices, smoothies and supplements - and supplies wholesale açaí puree around the world. Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) is a dark purple berry, known for its high nutritional value that grows in palm trees along the Amazon River. Açaí has been treasured by the indigenous people as an energizing, healthful fruit for centuries, and tales of açaí's use have been passed down from generation to generation.
"Sambazon is truly a new model for American business, and I am delighted that the State Department chose to honor them and their commitment to the environment," Wilcox said.
The Secretary of State first gave out the Awards for Corporate Excellence (ACE) in 1999 to recognize the positive role American businesses can play abroad. Companies are identified in country, with nominations submitted by American ambassadors to the State Department.
The mission of the Organic Trade Association is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. As a membership-based business association, the Organic Trade Association focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's 1,500 members include farmers, processors, importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, certifiers, and more. For further information, visit OTA's web site at www.ota.com.
