Yerba maté originates from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis. This holly tree is native to the Atlantic rainforests of South America. The indigenous Guaraní and Tupi tribes first cultivated yerba maté. Today, it is commonly consumed in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is a cultural beverage, shared between friends and families.
Yerba maté is largely produced in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. The main production areas are the Misiones and Corrientes provinces of Argentina. Yerba maté farming and harvesting provides employment for around 22,000 people. An additional 260 mills and 140 drying facilities process the harvested yerba maté.
In Argentina, yerba maté is extremely popular. Argentinians drink up to 14 pounds of yerba maté per person annually. It is even included in the basic food basket.
The yerba maté industry has commercialized in recent decades. Large companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo now sell yerba maté products. But many argue yerba maté’s true value is its cultural heritage and health benefits.
Yerba maté contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline which can increase metabolism. A higher metabolic rate can help burn more calories. Yerba maté has antioxidants that inhibit LDL oxidation. LDL carries cholesterol in the body.
Drinking very hot maté tea above 65°C is connected to higher cancer risks due to carcinogens. Pregnant women should not drink too much, as it increases miscarriage and low birth weight risk.
Guayaki Yerba Maté is a brand of yerba maté founded in California’s Bay Area in 1996 by two college friends. Guayaki sources its organic yerba maté directly from small farmer cooperatives in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Guayaki was founded in 1996 by two friends, Alex Pryor and David Karr. Their goal was to spread Yerba Maté while also protecting the environment. Guayaki is making millions of dollars, working to restore the rainforest and spreading maté.
Guayakí is a California B Corporation certified organic by USDA and fair trade by IMO. In April, 2021, Stefan Kozak became the new CEO. He was formerly CEO of Red Bull North America. Guayakí connects customers’ purchases of yerba maté products directly to farming communities in South America using a market driven restoration business model.
Today the company is led by CEOs Christopher Mann and Jeff Church. Guayakí remains a privately held company with offices and warehouses around the world.
In every part of its business model Guayakí employs ethical and moral practices. This includes sustainable packaging, fair trade policies and fair employment practices. The company goes above requirements for certifications of good practice.