They tried to cut down a tree to plant yerba, and it became the inspiration for their own brand
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Nahirñak family in Misiones, Argentina, turned an unsuccessful attempt to clear a lapacho tree into their own yerba mate brand, "Lapacho Rosa."
- The brand, named after the tree, emphasizes high quality with a 24-month aging process, double the traditional period.
- The family, now in its third generation, aims to offer an artisanal, agrochemical-free yerba mate, differentiating itself in a market dominated by larger producers.
In Misiones, Argentina, the Nahirñak family's attempt 40 years ago to clear a spectacular lapacho tree to plant yerba mate ultimately failed, but this very obstacle became the inspiration for their successful yerba mate brand, "Lapacho Rosa."
Now in its third generation, the family, led by sisters Valeria, Vanesa, and Verónica, has transitioned from being yerba producers for other brands to launching their own. Valeria Nahirñak, the visible face of the enterprise, explained that the name "Lapacho Rosa" was a natural choice, inspired by the stunning tree that grows amidst their yerba fields. The brand emphasizes quality, with a 24-month aging process, twice the industry standard, and a focus on small-batch production.
Their yerba mate is described as artisanal and free from agrochemicals, using traditional drying methods. They offer three varieties: traditional, despalada (stemmed), and a tereré blend, all packaged in 500-gram bags, the most popular size in the market. The family has embraced the challenge of moving from production to brand management, learning about sales, customer relations, and packaging.
The "Lapacho Rosa" brand stands out not only for its quality but also for its packaging, which reflects the colors of the yerba fields. Located near the Chimiray stream, a natural border between Misiones and Corrientes, their operation is situated in Apóstoles, known as the National Capital of Yerba Mate. This region is home to major yerba producers, positioning "Lapacho Rosa" as a distinctive, quality-focused alternative.
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.