Açaí Bowl Brand OAKBERRY Secures $67 Million in Series C Funding

OAKBERRY, a leading Brazilian global açaí brand, has successfully raised $67 million in Series C funding. This significant financial milestone was led by the Brazilian investment bank, BTG Pactual. The capital raised will be set aside to accelerate OAKBERRY’s global expansion strategy, with a keen focus on the US market.

The funds are strategically intended to bolster OAKBERRY’s revenue to an impressive $200 million. Concurrently, an ambitious expansion plan is set to increase OAKBERRY’s presence to 1,000 locations worldwide within the next year. Key growth areas include the US, with an exploration of co-investments in Australia and Portugal, highlighting these countries as significant for the allocation of funds from this capital round. 

This expansion reflects the company’s robust growth since its inception in 2016. Currently, under the leadership of CEO Georgios Frangulis, OAKBERRY boasts approximately 700 stores in over 40 countries.

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OAKBERRY’s Marketing and Business Leadership

Since Bruno Cardinali, the global head of marketing, and Leandro Gasparin, the head of business North America, joined OAKBERRY, their expertise has been instrumental. Their backgrounds with dominant restaurant chains like Burger King and Popeyes have propelled Oakberry’s expansion in the US and globally. 

In 2023 alone, over 150 new stores were opened. With current US locations totaling 35, Cardinali and Gasparin, in collaboration with OAKBERRY’s leadership and BTG Pactual, aim to increase US stores to over 200 and triple the European footprint by 2026.

“We designed OAKBERRY to be a global brand with a strong footprint in the US, and the investment from BTG Pactual brings not only a financial partner, but also a strategic partner with a keen focus on reinforcing our expansion,” Frangulis said in a press release.

What are Açaí Bowls?

Açaí bowls have emerged as a global health food sensation. These bowls are traditionally made from blended açaí berries, a fruit native to the rainforests of South America. The açaí puree serves as a base, which is then typically topped with a variety of fruits, granola, honey and sometimes peanut butter or chia seeds.

The popularity of açaí bowls began to surge in the early 2000s. Initially popular in Brazil, their birthplace, these bowls gained international attention as a superfood. Health enthusiasts and athletes were among the first to embrace them, attracted by their nutritional benefits. In the US, the trend took off more rapidly in coastal areas, especially in California and Hawaii, where a focus on healthy living is more pronounced.

The primary appeal of açaí bowls is their high nutritional content. Açaí berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats. These bowls are often considered a complete meal, providing a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. 

Popular Açaí Bowl Brands

Many companies and restaurants have capitalized on the açaí bowl trend. While OAKBERRY has been instrumental in popularizing the dish globally, it isn’t the only açaí bowl provider. Other notable brands include Juice It Up, Bowl of Heaven and Nekter Juice Bar. These quick service restaurants offer a variety of açaí bowl options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.

One of the key attractions of açaí bowls is their versatility. Customers enjoy the ability to customize their bowls with a variety of toppings, making each bowl a unique experience. From seasonal fruits to different types of granola and nuts, the combinations are nearly endless.

As OAKBERRY has shown, açaí bowls are not just a fleeting food trend but a nutritious choice that has found a permanent place in the world of health foods. Their rise in popularity reflects a growing global consciousness towards healthier eating habits. As more companies continue to introduce innovative variations, açaí bowls are likely to remain a favorite for health-conscious consumers.