In many ways, the food and beverage space has been leading the charge in sustainable practices for consumer goods over the past few decades. Maybe because these items are going into our body and people are more conscious of what they purchase. Or perhaps due to the fact that there are less steps between the raw ingredients and the final product so companies are more aware of the process. Either way, clothing and apparel has a lot to learn from the pioneers in this space as to how to produce better.

That’s why we were so excited when we connected with Guayakí Yerba Mate and help with their merchandise. It’s always a major stamp of approval when leaders in sustainability in other areas reach out to us at KNOWN SUPPLY to create for them. We know their standards are high, and that we share much in common.

Learn a bit more about this iconic brand and the drinks they create through this brief interview…

Could you give us a brief background on how Guayakí came to be?

Guayakí Yerba Mate got its start in 1996 on the Cal Poly University campus when Argentinian Alex Pryor first introduced yerba mate to Californian David Karr. Fast friends and ultimately ‘soul brothers’, the pair quickly realized there was a need for a nourishing source of energy, and with a healthy dose of optimism, set out to share yerba mate with the world. Now, over 25 years later, we are sharing yerba mate loose leaf, cans and bottles in North and South America with the same regenerative vision that the founders initially started with. 

For those new to yerba mate, what are 3 things they need to know about it?

1. Yerba mate. We love it, we drink it, but what, exactly, is it? Yerba mate is an infusion brewed from the emerald-green leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) tree, which is native to the South American Atlantic Rainforest.

2. Yerba mate has the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate, all in one beverage. Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world: coffee, tea, kola, cocoa, and guarana, yerba mate triumphs as the most balanced and invigorating. 

3. Yerba mate is traditionally drank out of a mate gourd. A hallowed out vessel such as calabash gourd, ceramic mug, stainless steel tumbler- anything goes really! – is packed full of loose leaf yerba mate, steeped, and drank with a metal straw with a filter on the tip called a bombilla. Check out the Guayakí online store to pick up a kit!

Why is the word regeneration so important to the brand?

At Guayakí Yerba Mate, we’re about much more than just yerba mate: we believe yerba mate culture is an invitation to connect, share and celebrate life.  Our mantra, “COME TO LIFE” is an invitation to the regenerative movement- a movement embodied by personal, social, ecological and cultural regeneration. We believe in using business as a force for good and strive to be the most regenerative beverage business in the world.

How does your merchandise fit into this belief system?

Guayakí’s purchase of merchandising materials reflects our commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Each time we present a customer, consumer, or employee with an item it must align with our company core values showing consistency in what we say and what we do.

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This week we have a giveaway happening with Guayakí, giving you a chance to win one of the custom tote bags we created with them and artist Peter Phobia, as well as 5 cases of Guayakí! Head over to Instagram to enter…

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