Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of mate, with over 50 million kilograms exported worth more than $87 million in 2020. Argentina follows Brazil exporting over $85 million. Paraguay exports half by weight of Argentina. The main mate exporters include Germany and the Netherlands which import from Brazil. Uruguay imports the most mate mainly from Brazil. Due to COVID-19, the global market is estimated to be worth $1.6 billion in 2021. The market is forecast to reach $2.2 billion by 2028 with a 4.5% CAGR during 2022-2028.
In 2018, the food and beverages segment accounted for 69.9% of the global revenue share. The herb is consumed as hot and cold drinks. Demand is driven by health benefits. Argentina is the main producer and exporter globally. In 2019, 837 million kg of leaves were harvested in Corrientes and Misiones. 40 million kg was exported. Argentina became the top exporter followed by Brazil’s 36 million kg. From January to December 2019, 277 million kilos were sent to supermarkets and wholesalers in Argentina.
Top Producing Countries
The herb is most popular in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay where it is consumed more than coffee. Brazil exports the most, nearly 50 million kilograms in 2020 worth over $87 million. Argentina follows, exporting over $85 million worth. Paraguay exports about half as much as Argentina by weight.
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the estimated global market from $1.6 billion in 2021 to a projected $2.2 billion by 2028. Argentina and Brazil lead production. Syria and Lebanon are the largest importers outside South America, thanks largely to Syrian immigration to Argentina in the 1800s.
Top Importers
Syrian Arab Republic is the largest importer in MENA, comprising 82% of total imports. Turkey held the second position with an 8.7% share of total imports. The export price in MENA stood at $2,782 per ton in 2021. The import price in MENA was $2,102 per ton in 2021, growing by 6.2% against the previous year.
Yerba Mate Origins
The herb is a plant native to South America. The traditions of drinking mate is strong in Southern Chile and has spread northward. Indigenous communities consumed yerba mate for centuries. Ilex paraguariensis is an evergreen shrub native to the subtropical forests of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. It grows up to forty-nine feet tall.
The leaves are harvested only at the perfect time, when ripe, exposed to heat to delay fermentation and oxidation. Then exposed to 100°C. Once dried, the leaves are crushed into what we call toasted yerba mate. The aging process strictly controls the distinctive flavor, color and aroma of yerba mate.