When we met Julia Collins a few months ago—a pioneer in sustainable food with multiple successful business ventures in the past—it became clear we shared a mission: build products people love that also move the planet forward. Julia introduced us to Planet Haus par of Planet FWD, and we knew AmaZai had to be there.
A Living Showcase at the NYC Climate Week
Hosted by Planet Forward during the NYC Climate Week in New York, Planet Haus transformed a home into a full sensory tour of sustainability: plant-forward breakfasts in the kitchen, eco sleep systems in the bedroom, regenerative textiles in the wardrobe, and more. The event was oversubscribed; well over a thousand attendees flowed through as speakers rotated every 20–30 minutes. The momentum was undeniable—and the setting made the urgency of climate action tangible.
For us, it doubled as a soft launch. We sprinted: smaller sample packs, last-minute logistics—true startup mode—and it worked. Across the day we had 400–500 live tastings and conversations, collecting real-time feedback that shaped what we’ll do next.
Taste First: Smooth, Balanced, Familiar (in the Best Way)
From the first pour, we kept hearing it: “It tastes great.” Smooth, gently earthy and nutty, and no bitterness. People said it felt like the best parts of coffee—without the downsides. That’s by design: AmaZai keeps the ritual people love while aligning with values they care about.
Our hero ingredient? Upcycled açaí seeds—rescued from the waste stream and crafted into a rich, satisfying brew. It’s a cup that honors taste, ritual, and impact.
Real-Time Feedback: Energized, No Jitters—Without Caffeine
One interaction summed up the day. A guest tried AmaZai and said, “Interesting coffee—really smooth.” About 60 minutes later, they came back smiling:
“I feel energized, but not wired. I had no idea there’s no caffeine.”
Versions of that story repeated all day: people felt a clear, steady lift without spikes, slumps, or acidity. (Everyone’s different, and we don’t make medical claims—but the feedback was remarkably consistent.)
Demand on Day One: Orders, Samples, Shares
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Immediate demand: Dozens asked to order on the spot—even though we weren’t taking orders yet.
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Samples gone fast: We brought 100+ samples and shared them in exchange for a quick Instagram follow—they vanished.
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Shareable delight: Guests wanted to bring AmaZai home to friends and family so they could try açaí coffee themselves.
Another moment we loved: a group comparing notes—one praised the clean finish, another noted no heaviness, and a third said, “I can drink this in the afternoon without worrying about sleep.” That mix of taste praise and lifestyle fit is exactly what we’re building toward.
Who It’s For (What We Learned at Planet Haus)
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Coffee drinkers who want to cut caffeine but keep the ritual—aroma, brew, and that morning moment.
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Tea drinkers who don’t like coffee’s bitterness and love a smooth, caffeine-free alternative.
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Açaí lovers & flavor adventurers excited by upcycled, planet-positive ingredients.
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People avoiding caffeine (e.g., pregnant individuals, kids, or anyone who prefers caffeine-free options).
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Anyone seeking a steady, comfortable lift without jitters or crashes.
Why It Matters: Taste, Ritual, Impact
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Taste: Smooth, rounded, satisfying—without bitterness.
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Ritual: Brew it how you love it; keep the moments that make your day.
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Impact: Upcycled açaí seeds turn into value—supporting circularity and reducing pressure on agricultural systems.
What’s Next
Planet Haus was only the beginning. We’ll expand availability, finalize formats, and bring AmaZai to more kitchens, cafés, and communities—while continuing to gather real-world feedback to refine everything from roast profiles to brew guides.
We’re grateful to Julia Collins and Planet Forward for creating a space where climate solutions are experienced, not just discussed. We can’t wait for Planet Haus and the NY Climate Week next year.
