The consumption of Ilex paraguariensis – known as “yerba mate” in South America – has spread beyond the borders of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil and is now gaining popularity in China.

“Our exports have doubled since last year,” said Juan Luis Lorenzo, a local producer involved in the direct exports of yerba mate to China.

The increase in exports by Lorenzo’s cooperative reflects the broader rise in yerba mate exports from Argentina to China, which have increased by 88 per cent since 2021, according to Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census.

In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Argentina exported around 214,000kg (471,800lbs) of yerba mate to China.

Footballers and other sportspeople have helped popularise yerba mate well beyond South America. World Cup-winning footballer Lionel Messi is frequently seen carrying a mate wherever he goes.

As a result, the drink has become associated with health, energy and well-being.