The National Institute of Yerba mate argued that “there is yerba hidden in some place”

Argentina, April 29, 2012

The Director of the Productive Sector of the National Institute of Yerba Mate, Carlos Ortt, said that the shortage is due to maneuvers of companies to raise prices. So he said “there are between 100 and 120 million kilos hidden in some place”. 

He added that “in Misiones there are between 180 and 200 million kilos of yerba mate, of whom 50 million are exported and in this time of year historically is consumed between 20 and 25 million kilos”.

“The rest, between 100 and 120 million kilos is hidden in some place,” he said and argued “there can be no shortage of yerba mate and irrational prices in Federal Capital and Greater Buenos Aires.”

“Many supermarkets have enough stock to supply the people and sell them at reasonable prices. We are ashamed knowing that a kilo of this product is being paid between 30 and 40 pesos” he concluded.