Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Yerba mate industry in Latin America – statistics & facts
Mate, a caffeinated herbal drink deeply embedded in South American culture, has perhaps surprisingly, found its way into homes across Syria and Lebanon. This is a beverage made to be shared and consumed communally over hours. Having been brought by returning Syrian and Lebanese immigrants, it is now part of their culture and social gatherings, and on a smaller scale, it is making its way to other countries as well, such as Turkey. This, as well as regional trade, has made yerba mate exports an important part of the industry. In 2022, for instance, yerba mate exports from Latin America generated a surplus of over 80 million U.S. dollars.
