Overview
- Congress designated mate as Argentina’s national infusion in 2013, formalizing its status as a cultural emblem.
- INYM data show the drink is present in over 90% of households, with average consumption above 6.4 kilograms per person each year.
- Current coverage highlights food pairings such as cheeses and chocolates and notes bakery opportunities, with Puratos’ Taste Tomorrow finding 85% of consumers prefer traditional flavors.
- Reports retrace Guaraní origins and Jesuit cultivation and cite a 1777 edict by Viceroy Pedro de Cevallos that scheduled multiple mate breaks and a siesta for field workers.
- The production chain centers on Misiones and Corrientes, with officials noting a 7% year‑over‑year rise in domestic consumption from January to September 2025 and exports led by Syria, followed by Chile, the United States and European markets.