Brazil Officially Recognizes Açaí as National Fruit

The vibrant purple açaí bowl, a global health food phenomenon, has now secured its legal and cultural roots deep within Brazilian soil. In a significant move to protect one of the Amazon's most iconic exports, the Brazilian government has officially designated açaí as a national fruit. This decision is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic measure to safeguard the fruit's genetic heritage from international appropriation.

The measure is codified in Law No. 15.330 of 2026, which was formally published in the Diário Oficial da União on January 8th. This legislation marks a crucial step in Brazil's ongoing efforts to protect its immense biodiversity and the traditional knowledge of the communities that have cultivated and used these resources for generations.

The new law is the result of a legislative journey that began over a decade ago. It originated from Project of Law PLS 2/2011, spearheaded by former Senator Flexa Ribeiro of Pará. The bill successfully passed the Senate in 2011 and later moved through the Chamber of Deputies as PL 2.787/2011, where it was finally voted on and approved at the end of the previous year.

This legislation modifies the existing Law 11.675 of 2008, which had already established cupuaçu as a national fruit. By adding açaí to this protected list, Brazil strengthens its legal framework against what is known as biopiracy—the unauthorized commercial use of biological resources. The law effectively establishes açaí as an un-assignable national asset.

• Law No. 15.330/2026 was published on January 8, 2026.
• The project originated in the Senate in 2011.
• It amends Law 11.675/2008.
• Former Senator Flexa Ribeiro (PA) was the original author.

The primary driver behind this legislation is the urgent need to prevent the patenting of Brazil's natural resources by foreign entities. The law is a direct response to a history of such attempts, which threaten both national sovereignty and the economic potential of local communities. A particularly emblematic case occurred in 2003, when a Japanese company successfully patented the açaí fruit.

This patent was a major concern for the Brazilian government, which argued that açaí was already a well-known and widely used resource within Brazil. Through dedicated diplomatic and legal action, the Brazilian government successfully fought the patent, leading to its cancelation in 2007. The new law serves as a preventative measure, creating a legal barrier to ensure such an event cannot happen again.

The goal is to cohibit cases of biopiracy, ensuring the fruit's genetic material and traditional uses remain a legacy for Brazil.

Native to the Amazon rainforest, açaí comes from the açaizeiro palm tree. Its recognition as a national fruit highlights its profound versatility and economic importance far beyond the popular purple smoothie bowl. The fruit is a cornerstone of the regional economy and daily life, with virtually no part of the plant going to waste.

The applications of açaí are remarkably diverse, spanning food, industry, and traditional medicine:

• The Pulp: Widely consumed as a nutrient-dense food and a key ingredient in the cosmetics industry.
• The Seeds: Used in local artisanship and as an eco-friendly source of energy, serving as a substitute for firewood.
• The Palmito: Extracted from the palm's stem, it is a valuable culinary product.
• The Roots: Traditionally used in herbal medicine as a vermífugo (a deworming agent).

This legal recognition honors the fruit's multifaceted role in sustaining both the environment and the livelihoods of millions of Brazilians.

The official recognition of açaí as a Brazilian national fruit is a definitive statement. It reinforces the nation's commitment to preserving its unparalleled natural heritage and ensures that the economic benefits derived from this resource remain with the Brazilian people. By enshrining açaí in law, Brazil is not just protecting a fruit; it is defending a cultural and ecological legacy.

This legislation sets a powerful precedent for the protection of other native species. It stands as a testament to the idea that a nation's biodiversity is an integral part of its identity and future, a treasure to be managed and protected for generations to come.