World Yerba Mate Championship to Debut in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires will host the inaugural World Yerba Mate Championship from June 5-7, 2026, transforming the Museo del Mate in the city center into a hub for this iconic Argentine infusion. The event blends a technical competition with a public fair, offering attendees a comprehensive experience centered around yerba mate and its derivatives.

This championship marks the first international technical evaluation of yerba mate, employing a blind tasting system where consumers and expert judges will assess over 400 samples. The judging criteria mirror those used for esteemed products like wine and olive oil. "For the first time, yerba mate is evaluated under the same international protocol used for wines and spirits," stated Marcos Francisca, the competition's director. "43 specialists from 11 countries will evaluate more than 400 samples blindly, where the brand name disappears and only the product speaks."

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For the first time, yerba mate is evaluated under the same international protocol used for wines and spirits. 43 specialists from 11 countries will evaluate more than 400 samples blindly, where the brand name disappears and only the product speaks.

The event is designed to elevate yerba mate's standing on the global stage. "This is not just a competition. It is the moment when yerba mate enters the world with the same category as major global products," said Martín Gómez, the championship's general director. The three-day event will feature masterclasses, blind tastings, expert panels, workshops, and interactive experiences, with additional activities hosted at the adjacent Academia Nacional del Tango.

Beyond Buenos Aires, the World Yerba Mate Championship will extend its reach globally with 13 official satellite events planned in six countries across Europe, America, and Oceania. This initiative aims to foster simultaneous celebrations of yerba mate in various international communities, including cities in England, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Guatemala, and Uruguay. The event also highlights the growing international popularity of mate, noting its expansion into markets like the United States and Europe.

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This is not just a competition. It is the moment when yerba mate enters the world with the same category as major global products.