In Macaé, a coastal city in northern Rio de Janeiro, the consumption of açaí has seen a notable increase during the summer season. This growth is part of a broader trend across Brazil, where açaí production has surged by approximately 70% over the past five years due to rising demand among both local and international consumers. Local businesses report that the desire for açaí has evolved beyond its traditional role as a dessert, now being integrated into everyday meals, particularly for tourists enjoying the city's beaches during the warmer months.

Local merchants have noted that summer sales of açaí can double compared to colder months, driven by both the heat and the influx of tourists. As temperatures soar, the fruit's reputation as a refreshing and nutritious food choice has solidified its place in the diets of many visitors and residents alike. According to Rodrigo Melo, a co-founder of Açaí Concept, this change in food preferences reflects a growing trend where açaí is now seen as a convenient and healthful option for daily consumption, beyond its traditional uses.

This boom in açaí consumption is not only beneficial for local businesses, which rely heavily on seasonal tourist traffic, but also highlights shifts in dietary habits among Brazilians. As consumption patterns evolve and açaí becomes more mainstream, it raises questions about sustainable production practices and market dynamics within Brazil's flourishing açaí industry, underscoring the balance necessary between meeting consumer desires and preserving the environment.