Joint Venture with Brazilian Mate Producer
The decision to form the joint venture between Ervateira São Mateus and Martin Bauer Group was particularly due to the increasing popularity of mate outside South America in recent years. In Europe, for example, mate-based energy drinks and lemonades, as well as tea blends are increasingly being brought to market and advertised for their stimulating effect, antioxidant content and detoxifying properties. The same trend is making headway in markets such as the USA or China, where the slightly bitter-tasting drink is becoming increasingly popular.
For this reason, Martin Bauer Group decided to invest in this traditional plant and in August 2017 it acquired 50 percent of the Brazilian mate producer Ervateira Sāo Mateus. The company is strategically located in the midst of mate growing areas in the Brazilian state of Paraná. Its focus on quality and safety over the last decades has made it an ideal partner. The geographical proximity and decades of close cooperation with mate growers ensure comprehensive quality control throughout the entire value chain. To face the challenges of international markets, Ervateira São Mateus also constantly invests in process improvements, such as new mate roasting techniques.