Tennis Star Aryna Sabalenka Launches Her Own Acai Bowl, the Power Serve Bowl
The business partnership between tennis world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and acai franchise Oakberry kicked off in January. But it really takes a personal turn on Aug. 20, as Sabalenka unveils her acai bowl recipe, made available across the country.
Sabalenka's involvement in the Power Serve Bowl goes beyond a simple endorsement. She actively participated in crafting the recipe, drawing on her own preferences and health-conscious approach. “[Business partnerships] become much more personal and special when there’s an opportunity to be creatively involved,” Sabalenka tells me. “That creative input makes the partnership more meaningful and authentic. And in this case, even more special since I’m a big fan of the brand and the product.”
The Power Serve Bowl reflects Sabalenka's taste and dietary needs. It's packed with ingredients she relies on for energy, both on and off the court. The bowl features a blend of açaí, chia pudding, whey protein, peanut butter, cacao nibs, and blueberries, delivering a delicious and nutritious boost. “I can tell you that [Sabalenka] knows what she wants and what she likes,” Bruno Cardinali, global head of marketing at Oakberry, tells me. “And, not surprisingly, she cares a lot about her diet. Her Oakberry signature bowl was crafted with the ingredients that she likes the most, both from a taste, as well as a functional perspective.”
Oakberry and Sabalenka: A Match Made in Health Food Heaven
The collaboration between Sabalenka and Oakberry goes beyond a simple product launch. It reflects a shared commitment to healthy living and a strategic approach to brand building. “I look for authenticity and alignment with my values in a sponsorship partner,” she says. “The brand must stand for something I believe in. As my career has progressed, I’ve been more focused on partnerships that speak to me inside out.”
For Oakberry, partnering with Sabalenka allows them to connect with a health-conscious audience, particularly tennis fans. By tapping into the tennis world, Oakberry expands its reach and strengthens its brand image. “Partnering with a tennis player helps show off Oakberry’s ethos of a healthy lifestyle to a segment of the population—tennis players—who can relate,” Cardinali says. “By working with Sabalenka, it not only solidifies that tennis connection with one of the top athletes in the sport, but since she’s a genuine fan of the brand it combines to “create a real connection with our fans.”
Beyond the Court: Sabalenka's Business Ventures
Sabalenka's involvement with Oakberry is just one example of her growing business acumen. In recent years, she has become more hands-on with her career, recognizing the importance of branding and long-term planning. “It’s about building a brand, making smart decisions and planning for the future,” she says. “As I gained more experience and started seeing the bigger picture,” Sabalenak says about becoming more hands-on with the business side of tennis, “I knew I needed to be involved in decisions that would impact my long-term success, both on and off the court.”
Sabalenka's involvement with Oakberry aligns with her vision for the future. She is actively exploring opportunities to build her brand beyond her playing days, with interests in fashion and the health food market. “I really like the idea of creating a brand in one of the areas that I identify myself the most,” she says, adding that both fashion and the health food market fit with her lifestyle. “It definitely makes sense to have them as part of my professional life in the long-term.”
Power Serve Bowl: A Taste of Success
The Power Serve Bowl by Sabalenka for Oakberry is more than just a delicious acai treat. It's a testament to Sabalenka's entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to building a sustainable brand beyond her tennis career. As she continues to dominate the court and explore new ventures, one thing is clear: Aryna Sabalenka is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.
