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Yerba Madre Celebrates 30 Years with Innovative Yerba Mate Products

Yerba Madre, the leader in the yerba mate category, is making waves at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West, showcasing their most ambitious collection of products yet. With a history of over three decades, this brand is known for its commitment to sustainable practices, integrity in sourcing, and innovative formats that cater to modern lifestyles.

A Comprehensive Innovation Slate

In 2026, Yerba Madre is introducing a variety of formats that include loose leaf, bottled beverages, canned drinks, and even sparkling options, all designed to enhance the experience of yerba mate. This comprehensive lineup not only highlights their creativity but also demonstrates their dedication to providing a smooth, uplifting experience for consumers, underpinned by regenerative agricultural practices.

One of the standout products this year is the Traditional Air-Dried Loose Leaf, a finalist for the prestigious 2026 NEXTY Award. Originally launched in 1996, this yerba mate has been relaunched under the Yerba Madre brand in 2025 and is celebrated for being the world's first loose leaf yerba mate to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified® Gold. This certification is significant as it establishes high agricultural and sourcing standards from farms that practice regenerative, shade-grown agroforestry in partnership with Indigenous and family farmers across regions like Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

The Experience of Vitality

Yerba mate is traditionally revered for its energizing properties and communal aspects, and as Yerba Madre expands into new ready-to-drink formats and flavors, they are committed to revitalizing this ancient ritual for modern consumers. This year, they are also introducing the world's first Shade-Grown Yerba Mate seal on their air-dried loose leaf, a certification that encourages sustainable farming under forest canopies and supports the communities that cultivate this beloved beverage.

According to Ben Mand, CEO of Yerba Madre, the founders have always believed that nurturing yerba mate involves caring for the environment and the communities involved in its production. The company aligns itself with values of sustainability, innovation, and community wellbeing, asserting that as they expand their offerings, they are proving that business growth can coexist with ethical and responsible practices.

Innovative Launches for 2026

New product launches set for early 2026 include an updated sparkling yerba mate line boasting 115 mg of natural caffeine, intended to be sold at Sprouts and select Albertsons locations. Additionally, a lower-sugar variant called Enlighten Mint is on its way, updating one of the company's best-selling products.

Moreover, flavors such as Strawberry Kiwi and Cherry Sublime will be exclusive to convenience stores like Extra Mile, Jacksons, and 7-Eleven, respectively. A limited-run seasonal flavor called Mango Fuego is also planned for release from March to May, inspired by the peak season for mango crops.

As Jennifer Brush, VP of Product Innovation and Brand explains, innovation is an essential form of stewardship. Yerba mate is deeply rooted in South American culture, and the company aims to blend that rich history with contemporary American lifestyles while remaining committed to environmental sustainability.

Nationwide Availability

Yerba Madre products are widely available, spanning over 45,000 retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, including natural, conventional, mass, and convenience stores. Attendees of Expo West can visit booths where they can discover the full range of Yerba Madre offerings.

About Yerba Madre—a name that pays homage to Mother Earth and the ancestral wisdom of those who cultivate yerba mate—has emerged as a pioneering force in the ready-to-drink segment and regenerative agriculture. By partnering with Indigenous and farmer families, Yerba Madre not only supports fair trade practices but also aims to conserve critical ecosystems such as the Atlantic Forest, ensuring long-term viability for both the environment and the communities involved in the yerba mate supply chain.

To explore more about their product offerings and initiatives, visit Yerba Madre's website or follow them on social media @yerbamadre.