Banco do Brasil and BMO Financial Group on February 12 announced the signing of a deal that marks initiation of a green Advances on Export Exchange Contracts (ACC) program. Sambazon became the inaugural company operating in Brazil to benefit from this innovative feature, at a subsidized financing cost for sustainability-linked trade loans.
This agreement positions San Clemente, California-headquartered Sambazon – which supplies foodservice and retail customers with a wide assortment of frozen açaí bowls, bites, smoothie cubes, sorbet and other products made from highly nutritious purple açaí berries hand-harvested from palm trees – at the forefront of environmentally conscious business practices exemplifying a triple bottom line business. Green ACC financing promotes the export chain of sustainable and low-carbon products from Brazil, encouraging responsible practices in trade finance transactions and supporting the supply of certified and quality products starting with Sambazon’s Certified Organic and Fair Trade Açaí for the world markets.
Known for its dedication to the sustainable management of the Brazilian Amazon, Sambazon is recognized as the first company to introduce “certified Açaí” to global markets, supplying organic and Fair Trade certified Açaí products from a proprietary supply chain, pioneering transparency, and traceability from the “palm of the tree to the palm of your hand.” Its Fair Trade certification has helped to protect the Amazon Rainforest’s rich biodiversity and has helped to positively impact thousands of local growers by donating over $1 million to build or renovate healthcare centers.
“We are honored to be the pioneer in securing the green ACC financing from Banco do Brazil. This deal not only strengthens our commitment to sustainability but also exemplifies our dedication to the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit – and rewards our robust ESG policy,” said Ricardo Perdigao, the compony’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
Also commenting on the green ACC financing deal, Banco do Brasil President Tarciana Medeiros emphasized the institution’s concrete goals aligned with global sustainable development priorities. She stated: “Our commitments range from increasing sustainable credit to investments in renewable energy, low-carbon agriculture, reforestation, and actions in favor of diversity and socio-environmental initiatives.”
