Yerba Mate World Cup in Buenos Aires: Results Summary and the Polish Connection!

The FIFA World Cup may be behind us, but another incredibly fascinating competition—a three-day event centered around Paraguayan holly—might have slipped past some of you.

The Yerba Mate World Cup (Mundial del Mate) took place from June 5 to 7, 2026, in Buenos Aires at the Museo del Mate (Yerba Mate Museum). More than 200 judges participated, spending three full days tasting and meticulously evaluating yerba mate and related products. Among this honorable panel was Łukasz Przewłocki, whom we recently had the pleasure to meet and interview about the entire event. Our conversation was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel.

A total of 467 yerba mates, teas, herbs, yerba mate-based products, and more took part in the Yerba Mate World Cup. 403 products from 200 producers were classified and evaluated; the remainder were not included in the final rankings.

The championship featured not only traditional yerba mates (without additives) but also other products: Paraguayan holly-based beverages, yerba mate blends, yerba mate in tea bags, fruit-flavored yerba mates, herbal blends (additives for yerba mate), and alfajores.

The evaluation method for each product was entirely anonymous. Groups of judges were divided into tables, usually consisting of 5 people. Each judge individually rated the tested product based on visual appearance, aroma, and taste. The results were entered into an online system to avoid errors or any tampering with the judges' scores. Importantly, every product sample was completely anonymous—lacking packaging, brand names, or producer details. The sample contained only a brief note regarding its specific characteristics or special features. Within a given table, the verdict on a tested product had to be reached unanimously.

Therefore, the judges' work deserves high praise. It lasted three full days, from morning to evening, and was extremely demanding, requiring constant concentration to properly assess every tested item. It was by no means light or easy work, and it demanded rigorous preparation. The organizers prepared guidelines for each judge spanning 43 pages, detailing how to prepare for the event and how to operate during it to ensure the results were as accurate and error-free as possible.

The awards were divided into four distinction tiers, starting from the highest: Gran Oro (Grand Gold), Oro (Gold), Plata (Silver), and Bronce (Bronze). Distinctions were awarded to 312 products; to be included in this honored group, a product had to score a minimum of 82 out of 100 possible points. For higher awards, products needed at least: 86 points (Plata), 90 points (Oro), and 94 points (Gran Oro).

In the top 20 awarded yerba mates, we can find two that are available in our regular store offer: Zapeca (2nd place) and Pindare (5th place), along with Lapacho Rosa Despalada (12th place), Pantanal Origens Chimarrao (14th place), Aguamate Organica (16th place), Guapa Tradicional (18th place), and Libre (20th place).

The winner was the yerba mate Uruguia with a maximum score of 100 points; we hope to introduce it to our offer soon :)

The Yerba Mate World Cup is not just about products, but above all about people—the people directly behind each yerba mate, often families who cultivate natural farming methods for Paraguayan holly to deliver the highest quality product. The World Cup people also include volunteers (235 individuals) who supplied the judges' tables with necessary products, water, and organizational support throughout the event.

Among the sponsors of the event, we can also find two companies whose accessories you can find in our catalog: Termolar and, recently, Purinox. Termolar provided the participants (judges) with 1L stainless steel R-Evolution thermoses and mate cups (popular Tupi cups) featuring special commemorative engravings for the World Cup. Meanwhile, Purinox supplied unique, numbered bombillas released in a limited edition.

Where and when the next edition will take place will surely be revealed soon. We hope the next event will bring many exciting discoveries and confirm the quality of many yerba mate brands we know and value.

As a fun fact, it is also worth mentioning the championship mascot, Lex—a character resembling a mate cup with a decorated golden collar (virola) holding a bombilla in its left hand. It looks quite charming :)

Awarded yerba mates and products, full list:

1. GRAN ORO (GRAND GOLD - Highest Distinction)

Uruguaí cosecha premium
Zapecá, Yerba Mate de selva
Erva mate Amável
MATUCCINO E AI BORA
Erva Mate Pindaré
Erva-Mate Lago Verde Artesanal
YERBA MATE "PATAGONIA" CHAI
BATURITE DESPALADA
Mate&Vida Composto de Erva-mate com Menta e chás embalado a vácuo 500g
KLM
Erva-Mate Barão Premium
Lapacho Rosa Despalada
Erva Mate Gheno
Erva Mate Pantanal Origens
Sabadin moída grossa
Aguamate Orgánica
Trot's Pura Folha
GUAPA
Erva-Mate Portão Moagem Grossa
Yerba Mate Libre
ESPUMA VERDE NATIVA
Yerba Mate Principios
Pura Folha Fina Banca 2 Rancho Nativo Castelhana Brasileira
Kraus Orgánica Gourmet
ERVA MATE LUXO GAÚCHO
Mate&Vida Nativa embalada a vácuo 1 kg
Erva Mate Bernardon Moída Grossa 1Kg
Manzaniya yerba mate de autor
Baita erva mate nativa moída grossa
Materos Unidos
Erva-mate Barão Tradicional
Yerba Mate Oro Verde Green Fresh
Del Cebador Clasica
Yerba Mate KALENA Tradicional
AQUELLA MULA PLATEADA
Elacy Premium
Ximango Moída Grossa a vácuo 1Kg
Piporé SUBLIME
La Maga Blends
Brasao Verde Laranja com Gengibre
Kraus Orgánica
Seleme Centenaria
Bitumirim
Pantanal Composta
Erva-mate Especial Vivenda do Mate
Chimarrão Matte Leao
Mate&Vida Moída Grossa embalagem laminada 1 kg
Baita erva mate nativa repousada moída fina
Yerbaia
Yerba Mate Cultyvada Chimarrão Premium
YERBA "MATE & CO" ORGANICA MOLIENDA ESPECIAL HOJA DESPALADA
kogoi Ceremonial do Mate
Compuesta Menta y Cedrón
ANNA PARK
Del Cebador Intenso
TARAGÜI
BATURITE TRADICIONAL PN1
Chá de erva mate tostado organico em sache tipo DRIP
ERVATEIRA GIOTTI export

2. ORO (GOLD - Second Highest Distinction)

Erva Mate Bernardon Serie Ouro 1kg
No se llama Yerba Mate - Kuyen
MATE COCIDO KURUPÍ TORRADO CON AZÚCAR
Erva Mate Chimarrão Moída Grossa Repousada
Refrigerante Yerba Matte tradicional
Santo Tomás
1810
ERVA MATE MATENATIVO ORGÂNICA
YERBA MATE "PATAGONIA" FRUTAL
Ekoa moída fina
Yerba Mate AGUANTADORA Suave
Chimarrão laranjeiras
Blend SAMAS 01
Aýra
Yi-Yi
Erva-Mate Lago Verde Pura Folha
SEGUNDA MOLIENDA
Curitibana 100% orgánica
Erva Mate Tia Joana
Araí Primera Molienda
Propósito- Relax
Baita erva mate nativa repousada moída grossa
Erva Mate São José ltda
Erva-Mate Arvorizinha
MateLab Co. SENDA
JESPER
SECADERO
GURISA
SHOT E AI BORA, VIT C E MINERAIS
Aroma de campo con Cascarilla de Cacao
As de Bastos Tradicional
ERVA MATE MATE NATIVO PURA FOLHA
Erva Mate Timbó
SEA - Yerba mate Virgen Ava Guarani
Yerba Mate KALENA Despalada
Propósito- Moving
MATETRI
Brasao Verde Nativa Premium
Ekoa Canheada
Yerba Magia
Lapacho Rosa
Yerba Mate Amanda Premium
Erva Mate Chimarrão Moída Média
MATE DE MONTAÑA
Yerba mate Indómita Argentina
Casa Garupá
No se llama Yerba Mate - Antu
Ximango Reserva Especial Nativa a vácuo 1kg
JESPER
Seleção Paraná - Vale do Iraí - Erva-mate Tostada
Rosamonte Orgánica Zipper
ALBA NUEVA SUAVE
Clásica
AUPABA
Erva-Mate Vier Tradicional a Vacuo
Natura
Guaykuru organica
Yerba Mate Amanda Selección Especial
Traditional
I Love Mate
LA HILARIA YERBA MATE
Erva Mate São José ltda
Ximango Tradicional a vácuo 1Kg
indio
CAMINO NUEVO
Guaykuru tradicional
Kraus Pura Hoja Orgánica
Dulce Beso Tradicional con Palo
ERVA MATE TURVO
León
Yerba Mate Amanda Tradicional
Elacy Padrão Uruguay
Erva Mate São Mateus
Cocido Quemado Con Azúcar Indega
Emperatriz del Monte
Erva mate Amável
Elacy Composto Menta
BLEND DA DAY
EL HACHERO
YERBA MATE KURUPI MENTA Y BOLDO
Muestra Molienda Uruguaya - Companhia Paranaense do Matte
INDUSTRIA DO MATE KI MATE
FEDERAL PREMIUM
Trot's Menta e Boldo
Trot's Eucalipto
Barbacuá Premium con palo
YERBA "MATE & CO" ORGANICA MOLIENDA TRADICIONAL CON PALO
Trot's Tradicional
Harry burger yerba barbacuá y tres generaciones
Taura Nativa
Erva Mate Fontana (Pura folha)
Scholles

3. PLATA (SILVER - Third Highest Distinction)

Erva-Mate Portão Pura Folha
industria ervateira verdelandia ltda
YERBA MATE ORGANICA PURA "HIERBAS SILVESTRES"
Erva-Mate Barão tipo Argentina
Piporé Despalada
FLOR DE ORO
Natura
Yerba mate Indómita Paraguay
Yerbella ORGÁNICA
DON LEANDRO
Barbacuá Premium Despalada Gruesa
Sara
Microlote Olaria
Erva-Mate para Tereré GOAT Tradicional
Yerba Mate Suria molienda tradicional Argentina
Lapacho Rosa Tereré
Chacra MD1947
Erva-mate Fonseca Tradicional
YERBA MATE ORGANICA PAMPA
Milonga Picumã
Trot's Chimarrão
GURISA
JESPER
MAÑANITA
Frutos rojos
Erva Mate Paraná - Matchá mate verde
Trot's Especiarias
YERBA/ERVA MATE PREDILETA
Yerba Mate Aky
Milonga Minuano
Erva Mate Tia Joana Moida Grossa
Brazo Largo
Obby Erva Mate - Estilo Matcha
Mate&Vida Composto de Erva-mate com Manga e Chás embagado a vácuo 500 g
MADFLOW Yerba Mate Cocido
MateLab Co. SENDEROS
ALBA NUEVA TRADICIONAL
SIEMPRE ELISA
ERVA MATE MATE NATIVO ORGÂNICA COLÁGENO
Trot's Limão Caipira
quinta da alma
PURA yerba mate
Elda Magdalena
La Maga Blends
Compuesta Manzanilla, Anis y Naranja
ERVATEIRA GIOTTI
Tradicional Premium con palo
Yerba Mate Mint Blend
Matcha Natural Mate Orgânico MateNAtivo
YERBA "MATE & CO" COSECHA LIMITADA
YERBA MATE SABOR JENGIBRE LIMON
Erva Mate São José ltda
Baita erva mate nativa moída fina
Manzanilla y Anís
Condesa
Yerba Mate Cultyvada Molienda Uruguaya PU1
Erva-Mate Rei Verde Barbaquá
Matesur
Licor de erva-mate Milonga
Dulce Beso Molienda Gruesa Terere
Seleme Centenaria Essencial
Mateité PREMIUM
Erva Mate Viola de Ouro
Milonga Tri
Erva Mate Paraná - Chá Gelado Mate Tostado com Açaí
Maycha Mathienzo
La Soberana
Seleção Paraná - Vale do Iraí - Erva-mate Verde
Sara Compuesta Anís
DON OMAR
YERBA MATE SABOR MANZANA CANELA
Milonga Guapo
Matchu Doce Maçã
Erva Mate Chimarrão Moída Fina
INDUSTRIA DO MATE KI MATE
Matesur
BENDITO AMARGO
Yerba mate Indómita Brasil
Yerba Mate Elaborada Colón Compuesta "Mate Completo"
Elacy Padrão Argentino
ORGANICA
Colonial Defumada Banca 2 Rancho Nativo
ILEXÁ
Erva-Mate Para Tereré Rei Verde Maracuja e Menta Premium
ALMA GUARANI

4. BRONCE (BRONZE - Lowest Distinction)

MATETRI
MANSA
Trot's Menta e Cereja
YACI PAMPA bebida natural a base de yerba mate organica (Menta y Hierbas)
Irupe
Original Mathienzo Tonic
La Palma
TITRAYJU
MATE COCIDO KURUPÍ SIN AZÚCAR
Aroma de campo sabor serrano
Tradicional Premium Despalada Gruesa
No se llama Yerba Mate - Mapu
TYKUÁ
Erva Mate Viola de Ouro
Don Julián
Chá de erva mate verde organico em sache tipo DRIP
ERVA MATE TURVO
Terere Ximaice Clássico 250g
Yuyo by Sara
900 DÍAS
Zampier Erva Mate organica - chimarrão
Erva-Mate Cambona IG
Yerba mate elaborada despalada libre de gluten KLIMUK
Mate com Guaraná
Fus Matte Maracujá
Propósito- Focus
Yerba Mate Elaborada Colón Compuesta "Menta, Cedrón y Esencia de Limón"
El Gaucho Arg
ERVA MATE TURVO
Erva-Mate Portão Tradicional
Cancheada Banca 2 Rancho Nativo
Seleção Paraná - Vale do Ribeira - Erva-mate Verde
HIERBITAL / Mezcla de hierbas serranas con yerba mate
Mate Tostado Indus
Trot's Hortelã
Seleção Paraná - Vale do Ribeira - Erva-mate Tostada
Trot's Burrito
Apuã Agroecológico
ARAPEGUA
YERBA MATE "PATAGONIA" MOLIENDA FINA
Natura
Sabores Nayaté
Folhas Enroladas para Infusão
Flocos de erva-mate
YERBA/ERVA MATE PREDILETA
Don Bosco
RESERVA DE MISIONES
Microlote Fronteira 02
Secadero Don Jose SRL
Yerba Mate Guayusa Blend
GRANOLA E AI BORA
3 Fronteras Amarelo
industria ervateira verdelandia ltda
ERVA MATE MATE NATIVO NATIVA
Curitibana con Menta, Cedrón y Poleo
Uruguaí cosecha tradicional
Yevia
KA'A ETÉ
BATURITE SEMI ESTACIONADA
Alma Mate Passionfruit
3 Fronteras Verde
Siempre Vive
Aroma de campo sabor Alg
Composto Ximango Menta 500g
Tukã
Erva-Mate Rei Verde Linha Nobre a Vacuo
BATURITE CON PALO
Yerba mate elaborada con palo libre de gluten KLIMUK
Chocolate 55% cacao con yerba mate
Erva-Mate Para Tereré Rei Verde Laranja e Menta Premium
Secadero Don Jose SRL
ÑANDETE
ESPUMA VERDE SUAVE
YERBA MATE SABOR FRUTOS ROJOS
ERVA MATE TURVO
Erva Mate Chimarrão Moída Grossa

Images come from the official Yerba Mate World Cup account and directly from Łukasz Przewłocki.