Mate verte absolute, derived from Ilex paraguariensis, continues to be popular in both the fragrance and flavor industries. It has a distinctive dry, green-herbal character with subtle smoky undertones which makes it a sought-after ingredient for complex tea notes, green accords, and wellness-oriented formulations.
The primary producers are Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay although the absolute may be extracted elsewhere. However, challenges such as water availability and shifting labor patterns persist, potentially impacting future harvests. Currently demand is outstripping supply, and it is not clear when this situation might improve.