Sep 13, 2006 8:52 AM, from staff and wire reports

SunOpta Inc expects to quadruple its sales of Acai in North America to about $4.0 million over the next 12 months.

“The Acai frozen pulp is sold to food manufacturers as an ingredient in fruit juices, smoothie blends, and soy and dairy applications such as sorbets. It has become the most sought-after fruit from our base of customers because of its unique health benefits,” says Joseph Stern, executive vice-president of SunOpta’s Fruit Group, who imports the Acai from Brazil.

The company also announced that SunOpta’s Canadian Food Distribution Group has signed an exclusive agreement to market the Belizza line of Acai and pomegranate sorbets, which are expected to add $1.0 million in revenue.

Harvested by hand and processed within 24 hours, Acai has the highest antioxidants of any fruit. Its berries are harvested in a sustainable manner, creating jobs in the Amazon and preserving the rain forest. A portion of the fruit price goes back to the indigenous peoples in the Amazon to help support schools and provide books and educational tools to children.