Quality Products from Aviva -- Beyond Organic

We understand the terms taste and quality are rather subjective by nature. Personal preference plays a big part in determining those attributes. We don't want to claim that our yerba mate is the best or better than ABC brand. We simply want to project a message that our yerba is *different* than traditional yerba produced by most South American companies. It is grown differently, harvested differently, and processed differently than any of the other yerba coming from our neighbors to the south. If you peruse our website, we hope that you get the same feeling from our pictures, testimonials, and literature. We apologize in advance that we don't carry the traditional yerba packaged among a dozen different South American brand names. We concentrate on doing one thing well, and that is to provide you with an all natural Wild Harvest, pure leaf yerba mate product. Enjoy....

Aviva Yerba Mate - 99.9% Pure Leaf!

Aviva Yerba Mate	A Leading Competitor

(click on picture to enlarge)	(click on picture to enlarge)

Traditional Sample #1	Traditional Sample #2

Wow, Look at all the sticks! BTW, we don't actually sell this. You're Welcome!	Is there any yerba in there?

Aviva is one of a few companies that harvests, imports, and packages bulk mate from South America. We blend and package our mate under the Aviva brand name which is then distributed to wholesale accounts across the country or sold directly to consumers around the world. This control of the supply chain allows us to insure the highest quality standards during every step of production. Additionally, our yerba is a fresh vivid green color, not a stale yellowish tone. Like typical wine, yerba doesn't necessarily get better with age (although producers stuck with an oversupply that's been sitting in their warehouse for months or even years would like for you to think that!).

We offer a diverse product line to accomodate the different drinking habits of our customers. We have loose mate as well as mate in tea bags. In addition to traditional flavor, we offer a variety of delicious blends. If you prefer to drink your mate the traditional way, we carry a broad array of ornamental gourds and bombillas.

Read about the origin of your mate! (May 2003)

Aviva's Hand Processing at the Ranch (Sure, we could invest in machinery, but we'd rather invest in people!)

Methods of Production Prevalent Today

Farm Grown/Farm Grown Organic:
Because of increasing demand outside of South America, yerba mate ranchers have had to develop a means to meet larger production schedules. The result is not always the most environmentally-friendly way of bringing mate to the market. Typically, the natural forest is cut down and cleared to make room for nice neat rows of mate plants. This is similar to mass production methods here in the states (orange groves, grape vinyards, apple orchards, etc...) It is possible for this type of mate to be organic; however, pesticides are often initially used to control the ants and other bugs that prey on the young leaves. After the trees reach a certain height and age, natural defenses can usually take care of that threat.

Sustainable Organic:
Organic growing methods are usually employed here. This process does not destroy the forest, but producers typically cut down and clear most of lower foliage. The tall canopy trees are left intact. Mate is then planted in easily cultivated rows beneath the canopy trees. This method has less of a negative impact on the environment than farm grown mate. Because the mate is grown in harmony with the natural land and its inhabitants, it is referred to as a "sustainable" means of production. Marketers of this type of mate often refer to their product as "shade grown" (or even "forest grown") because the canopy trees that were left intact actually do provide shade for the mate grove.

Forest Grown Wild Harvest:
We're not aware of another company (besides ourselves) that offers this type of mate. With this production method, the forest is left intact. The land is not cleared and the earth not scraped. These trees have been nourished by nature not man. The leaves of the mate plants are thinner and possess a darker green color with a unique taste profile indicative of the natural elements found in the rainforest soil. Many consumers experience a bolder body and a smoother taste. The only clearing has been to provide roads and access into the rainforest. The rich habitat in the jungle is left intact. We are fortunate to have as a partner a man who is an environmentalist. For thirty-seven years Jim carson, a retired U.S Airforce Colonel, has lived on this land...a total of 21,000 acres.

Download a free White Paper on Yerba Mate This paper addresses issues relating to health benefits, side effects, pregnancy, and the mateine vs. caffeine debate. (updated 8/13/08)
(File is in PDF format. Requires Acrobat Reader)

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Yerba Mate - One Hip Drink!

Feel the difference of Aviva yerba mate!

Yerba Mate - Weight Loss Tea!

"I have tried a couple of other brands of Yerba that were cheaper. They were horrible. Dust, stems, and poor taste. Aviva is my brand and I am sticking with it. I have another 60 pounds to go, but I know it will happen. Thanks Aviva!"

"The first thing is that both yerbas, particularly the Paraguayan, were superb. In one respect, regarding the effect on the stomach, your yerba is the best. All yerbas are "supposed" to be good for the stomach, but most actually have the opposite effect. Many people who try yerba mate get hyperacidity. Your yerba is unique in that it actually makes the stomach feel better, whereas many of the high-end yerbas found elsewhere are neutral in this respect."

"I just wanted to send you a note to tell you I have been drinking the yerba mate I ordered from you for quite a while now and it is wonderful. I had previously bought another brand and didn't like the taste at all. When you say there's a difference in the taste of yours, you are absolutely right. I just ordered some some more today and will continue to order from you. It is wonderful. I also notice feeling better and with more energy when I drink it. Thanks so much!"

"Thank you for all your help getting into Yerba Mate. And all of your information, I am seeing a nutrionist and I even bought her some Yerba Mate... and she likes it! But you guys have been very nice over the phone, and Dan... I love reading your customer emails/notices. Getting the emails makes me feel like I am part of a smaller community helping out a business."