Berlin: where it all began
Ever heard that one trip can change your life? Well, Maté Libre is the epitome of this quaint Hollywood cliché. Even though yerba mate is originally from South America, it was in Berlin that Edouard took his first sip of the magical green leaf.
If you've ever partied in Berlin, you know that sleep is for the weak. That's why, when bars and clubs started offering Yerba Mate as an alternative to the usual alcoholic drinks, it scored big! And honestly, who needs boring cocktails when you can have Mate + Vodka?
Edouard's first approach to Mate was with this famous combination. We won't bore you with the details of his "taste journey", but let's just say he smelled the bubbles, loved the herbal flavor and felt in a good vibe. To stick to the point: It was a perfect match. Edouard fell over heals.
1001 recipes
On his return to Quebec, Edouard was struck by the terrible realization that Yerba Mate had not yet been adopted by the province. But one thing is certain: in life, Edouard doesn't give up easily. If he couldn't find a Mate-based infusion, he was just going to create one himself. That's easy, isn't it?
So, in his little apartment kitchen, he experimented with a thousand and one recipes until he finally found the perfect one. Balanced, herbal and refreshing. And there you have it! Mate Libre's Original flavor was born.
Who would have thought that a simple idea over a glass of wine could turn into a proudly Québécois company.
Our history to date
2013 - A Eureka night
It was during a night out at a club in Berlin that Edouard fell under the spell of yerba mate. As soon as he returned to Quebec, he started from scratch and created his first recipes in his small apartment kitchen. And the rest is Mate Libre history!
2017 - 1001 recipes
A few years later, Edouard was creating recipes in the kitchen of his Montreal apartment. 1001 recipes later, he invented Mate Libre's Original flavor.
2019 - the birth of Mate Libre
Edouard proudly launched the first two flavors of Maté Libre: Original and Rose & Hibiscus.
2019 - Carbon-free delivery
It's barely been 6 months since Mate Libre was launched when we decided to do a 180˚ on our deliveries in Greater Montreal: all our packages will now be delivered without carbon emissions, either by bike or electric car.
Learn more about our eco-responsible initiatives.
2020 - Launchhhhh
A hectic year, but Edouard took the opportunity to innovate with 2 new flavors: Mint & Lime and Passion. Just in time for his appearance on Radio-Canada's Dans l'œil du dragon.
2020 - Mate Libre LIVE
And why not spread a little fun throughout these confined days? A crazy idea came to mind: broadcast live three concerts produced by Mate Libre. Yes, we found ourselves in seventh heaven, tripping with Les Louanges, CRi and Geoffroy!
2021 - The family expands
Ginger Sugarfree, our first sugar-free and 5th flavour is launched.
Does this flavour pique your curiosity?
2022 - Come full circle
Bold, delicious, festive and unique, we’ve launched a first hard yerba mate! The same Berlin cocktail behind Mate Libre, but ready-to-drink. The world’s first organic hard yerba mate!
Learn more about your favorite drink from happy hour to late nights
2024 - The family expands yet again
Not one, but TWO new flavors! In March, our second Sugarfree flavor is launched; say hello to Watermelon Sugarfree. Like taking a bite straight out of a perfectly ripe watermelon slice.
But that's not all. Shortly after, in April, ANOTHER flavor was born. The second hard yerba mate ready-to-drink! Introducing your new best friend for the summer: the same rich fruitiness as the Mate Libre Passion, now with a little edge that will make you want to extend your picnics until the last rays of sunlight.
Learn more about your new favorite summer drink