Discover the Growth of Yerba Mate: 60% Surge in Exports in Q1

Yerba mate, a beloved South American beverage, is experiencing a significant boost in both domestic consumption and exports. According to the latest data from the Argentinian National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM), March saw yerba mate consumption and exports reach an impressive 29 million kilograms.

The production side is equally promising, with the INYM estimating that the harvest of green leaves surpassed 40 million kilograms. These numbers indicate a thriving yerba mate industry that continues to expand.

In an exciting development, the volume of yerba mate exports in the first quarter experienced a remarkable 60% year-on-year increase. During the first three months of 2022, exports amounted to 5.33 million kilograms, while this year, that number surged to 8.43 million kilograms.

March alone witnessed a significant surge in the volume of yerba mate intended for the domestic market, reaching 26.4 million kilograms. On the export front, 2.7 million kilograms were shipped, compared to 1.9 million kilograms in March 2022.

Turning our attention to the harvest, data on the intake of raw material by drying facilities shows that 40.1 million kilograms of green leaves were harvested in March. This brings the total for the first quarter of the year to an impressive 63.4 million kilograms.

The yerba mate harvest follows a three-stage calendar, beginning with the "zafra gruesa" or "main harvest" from April to September, followed by a harvest suspension period in October and November, and finally, the "zafriña" or summer harvest, occurring from December to March.

Consumer Preferences

In terms of packaging preferences, the INYM reported that consumers continue to favor half-kilogram packages, a trend that has persisted in recent years. In March, half-kilogram packages accounted for 53.54% of mill deliveries to the domestic market. One-kilogram packages followed at 41%, with two-kilogram packages at 1.17%, and quarter-kilogram packages at 0.96%.

"The distribution of different formats in mill deliveries to the domestic market remains relatively stable, with half-kilogram and one-kilogram formats accounting for 94.57% of total deliveries," concluded the report.

These positive trends in yerba mate production and consumption are a testament to the enduring popularity of this traditional South American beverage. Mate aficionados can look forward to a flourishing industry that caters to their preferences while also making its mark on the global stage through increased exports.