Australia, the land of long, hot summers. A country where refreshment is a way of life. A country where health and wellness has long been “mainstream”. So, what’s the next fad in the beverage space you ask? No, it’s not another Kombucha!
It’s Yerba Maté – A South American green tea that is naturally high in caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that is famous for delivering energy without the jittery buzz normally associated with caffeine.
There seems to be some misconceptions about Yerba Maté with consumers. Likely because someone tried it, for the first (and only) time, while riding a donkey in Patagonia on a ledge 10,000 feet high, from a traditional gourd that was jammed packed full of this interesting herb.
The rush of caffeine would have been immense, but the overwhelmingly strong, tannic and somewhat ashy aftertaste would have been the lasting memory. Equivalent to giving someone a triple shot espresso for their first coffee. You have to ease them in!
This traditional method of consuming Yerba Maté is where people end up in the journey. The best way to introduce it, is for a lighter infusion of pure leaf (little, to no stem) and the resulting drink is a lot more like a Japanese green tea in flavour.
Soft tannins, grassy and fresh. Even with this style you get half a cup of coffee (worth) of caffeine but it’s the antioxidants and long list of health benefits that really set this magic herb apart and give it the cringe worthy “superfood” status.
In 1964 the Pasteur Institute of Paris conducted a study, to see how many vitamins Yerba Maté possessed. The study concluded that, “It is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world that is equal to Maté in nutritional value”.
When friends Luke and Aliy bumped into each other on the dancefloor at a music festival on a 40-degree day they realised that there were no, non-alcoholic drink options that were low in sugar, high in energy and all natural.
With Luke’s background in brewing (beer) and Aliy’s passion for all things Yerba maté and experience working at festivals all over the world, it was clear that with Yerba Maté there was a huge opportunity.
“Australia’s alcohol consumption is on the decline, which has created a gap that continues to widen in the Australian beverage market”
NATURALLY DRIVEN WAS BORN
The mission was simple at first, Cold Brew high quality organic Tea leaves, blend with organic juice, carbonate and put in a can. Reality was a different story.
It took 12 months of development which resulted in a propriety method of cold brewing and filtration that has resulted in an all-Natural iced Yerba Maté that is fizzy and refreshing meanwhile locking in all of the Teas nutrients
It was out of the development of these energy drinks that the true versatility of Yerba Mate was discovered and hence the decision was made to release a range of loose-leaf Teas so that cafes and consumers alike could discover their own take on the Iced Yerba Matê (known as terere).
“It’s so refreshing, and it acts as a stimulant and contains almost no calories. Iced with fruits and flavours It’s the ultimate cafe drink for summer delivering great margin opportunities and broadening a café’s offering, made as a hot Tea it has the power and bitterness to please any coffee drinker. It’s the perfect all-rounder” says founder Luke Langton
Yerba Maté has already proven hugely popular in North America and Europe achieving cult status in the hacker and electronic music scenes.
Famous for giving longevity and a cleaner type of energy it’s this type of popularity that if executed well would suit the Australian consumer and their unwavering desire for something new that’s healthy and above all, functional
It’s in the “serving suggestion” where the opportunity exists. Due to its flavour profile its very versatile. You can add herbs, fruits and numerous flavours
NATURALLY DRIVEN TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Naturally Driven have teamed up with Rainforest Rescue. An Australian environmental charity that protects and regenerates Rainforests in Australia.
Coming together with the shared point of view that humans have a responsibility to protect our natural world. The mission has always been to give back to a charity that is doing great things for the environment and ultimately helping to reverse the effects of climate change
Rainforest Rescue purchase blocks of private land which had been previously cleared and used for agriculture that is either connected, or close to existing rainforests.
The site is cleared of the old crops, the soil is regenerated, and native rainforest trees are then planted by hand. The trees are all grown from seed in the nurseries and when they are strong enough, they are moved out to the lot.
A painstaking process that requires huge amounts of time and resources.
Naturally Driven donates 2% of all domestic revenue towards this great cause.
The Range:
Organic Loose Leaf Tea
Organic Pure Leaf Yerba Maté
Grandmas Garden – Yerba Maté with Hibiscus, rose and Calendula
Pep in your step – Yerba Maté with Peppermint and Siberian Ginseng
Organic Sparkling RTD’s
Original Flavour (grapefruit and Ginger) 330ml Can
Yuzu Flavour (grapefruit and Yuzu) 330ml Can
For more information or to request a sample flick them an email – info@naturallydriven.com.au or visit their website – www.naturallydriven.com.au
