Açai; Everyone has been talking about this new natural health berry, including Oprah.

Robeks, a premium fruit smoothie and healthy eats national franchisor with a location on Valencia Blvd. near the Kohl’s department store, has launched a systemwide marketing campaign to emphasize the health and wellness benefits of products blended with the Açai (a-sci-ee) berry such as Robeks Açai Energizer smoothie and Super Açai Bowl. The Açai berry contains more antioxidants than any other edible fruit currently known in the world.

Açai is an all natural energy berry native to the Brazilian Rain Forest. This unique berry with its royal purple pigment provides a strong combination of antioxidants, essential amino acids, essential omega oils, dietary fiber, plant sterols, trace minerals and protein. In fact, açai is a better source of healthpromoting antioxidants than even red wine, blueberries or pomegranates.

Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals which can damage delicate cellular tissues. Açai also contains Omega 6 and 9, essential fatty acids which may help to promote healthy cholesterol levels.

Robeks encourages guests at the point of purchase to select specific products that support health and wellness, and help them maintain their active lifestyles.

“Many of our guests visit their local Robeks daily to enjoy our Açai blends. They may be under stress, have limited time and just want to feel better. Açai delivers a healthy dose of natural energy for a flavor-packed pick-me-up, any time of day,” says Sheri Miksa, president and chief executive officer of the nearly 140-store franchise network.

Robeks smoothies can act as meal replacements for consumers facing a hectic day, or who are unable to prepare a healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Packed with the dietary benefits of no-sugar-added Dole fruit, non-fat frozen yogurt and natural juices, Robeks smoothies can be fortified with Robeks nutritional boosts like whey or soy protein, Powerbek™ or Intellibek® to help maintain physical strength, vitality and mental fitness.

Robeks first introduced Açai products more than five years ago, and continues to innovate its menu with beverage and food items that provide consumers healthier options.

The Açai Energizer smoothie, for example, contains two grams of protein, 30 percent of the RDA for Vitamin C, and two grams of fiber. The Super Açai Bowl™ [image attached] is loaded with antioxidants, offers four grams of protein, 30% of the RDA for Vitamin C, and seven grams of fiber at under 325 calories—a healthy and delicious breakfast or any-time choice, served with bananas and granola.

Visitors to Robeks locations will be reminded of the benefits of Açai, and smoothies as a meal replacement, with point-of-purchase materials such as posters, rack cards and table tents, as well as promotional messages on Robeks in-store Ripple TV. With Açai products, franchisees aim to appeal to the growing segment of Americans who regard beverages and food as natural promoters of good health, and consume products each day that are part of their wellness routine.