At Zola, we believe people are healthiest when they live sustainably and give back to the world. That’s why we started Project Zola. Project Zola was created to improve the quality of life and empower the people in the local communities where our Superfruits are harvested. Project Zola focuses on Building Community Infrastructure, Improving the Quality of Life and Protecting the Environment with specific and tangible goals in a 100% transparent environment.
History
Igarape-Miri, Brazil. Population: 60,000. Located on the riverbanks of the Amazon – 3 hours from Belem via ferry and car, is the small community of Igarape-Miri. A few decades ago, Igarape-Miri had 60 factories where they processed sugar cane for Cachaça, a Brazilian alcohol. As the community started to drink it’s own product the production suffered, quality went down and profits dropped. At the same time, factories in Southern Brazil started to produce Cachaça and market share in Igarape-Miri plummeted. The community fell into deep poverty.
After many years, they found a new hope – Açaí. Igarape-Miri has one of the highest concentrations of Açaí trees and the fruit quality is second to none. It’s proximity to Belem (a port city located at the mouth of the Amazon and the Atlantic Ocean) made it ideal to to bring Açaí to the major markets of Belem.
Together we can make a difference
Project Zola Bracelets: Every time a Project Zola Bracelet is purchased, $1 is donated to the local community and is used for financial and educational support.
Recycling Açaí Seeds: Fact: Açaí seeds can build homes! The oils of the seed are a great source of fuel. The seeds which remain from the production of our juices are donated to a local brick manufacturing company. These seeds are used to fuel the furnace to dry the bricks. These bricks are donated to the community for the building of schools, homes, and other infrastructures needed within the community.
“Give a man some Açaí and feed him for a day. Teach a man to grow Açaí and feed him for a lifetime.” Chris Cuvelier, President, Founder and CEO, Zola Açaí