Yerba mate: in addition to chimarrão
and from the Brazilian borders
Yerba mate is an important element of Brazilian culture, especially in the south of the country, where we find the traditional chimarrão, a legacy of the traditions of the region's indigenous peoples. The product already known in our country is also widely consumed in other countries in South America, drawing the attention of many others around the world.
Strategic in different market segments
In addition to the traditional use of yerba mate for chimarrão and tea, the use of the product has also been expanding to other markets such as energy drinks, spices and cosmetics, finding, in the latter, a new and ample niche to expand.
Expansion into the cosmetological market
Yerba mate is rich in polyphenols, therefore it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging properties, in addition to helping in the healing process and deep cleansing of the skin. With the increase in the search for natural products for aesthetic and health care, several Brazilian and foreign brands, such as the American Youth to the People, which has a face mask whose main ingredient is yerba mate, are already exploring the use of the herb in products such as soaps, moisturizers, shampoo, conditioner, exfoliants, among others.
Export Highlights
According to the Paraná Department of Agriculture and Supply, Brazil is the largest producer of yerba mate in the world, and it is estimated that in 2019, 547,88 thousand tons of the product were produced in the country, and exports reached US$81 million. The southern region was responsible for most of the production, especially Paraná, which concentrated 87% of all the production of mate in the country in 2018. According to the platform The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Brazil and Argentina they are the biggest exporters of yerba mate in the world, while the biggest buyers are Uruguay, Chile, the United States and Germany. It is also worth noting the interest of the Arab countries in the product, as it is a new market to be explored.
agroecological production
In addition, the production of yerba mate in Brazil is agroecological, does not require deforestation and does not emit carbon, being another attraction for the foreign market, as consumers are increasingly concerned about the origin of their products and the impacts environmental issues.
The importance of assistance from an international consultancy
Therefore, it is possible to notice that the foreign market for Brazilian yerba mate is very promising due to the wide range of sectors where the product can be used, in addition to the beneficial properties of mate. An international consultancy is essential to acquire more information and gather the necessary data for insertion of this product in the world market.
By Rafaela Aguiar on 09/23/2021
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