Mojo Maté is not just another organic energy drink—it’s a movement that challenges the way we think about sourcing, production, and the impact a brand can and should have.
Mate, the central ingredient of Mojo Maté’s positive energy drink, is a plant traditionally used in tea in South America. It holds unique flavours and plenty of natural caffeine and has been enjoyed as a warm infusion for hundreds of years by (indigenous) South Americans. Especially in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay drinking mate is seen as a way of life.
Mojo Maté’s approach to sustainability is also reflected in their commitment to regenerative agriculture, which means that the mate used in their drinks is shade-grown in the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Brazil. This method not only contributes to the protection of large patches of endangered rainforest by offering income generating activities for the local community via their cooperative, but also supports the biodiversity in the region by avoiding the use of pesticides and artificial watering. The result? A naturally flavorful mate leaf that’s hand-picked after two years, ensuring the plant’s health and the vitality of the ecosystem.
David emphasises that their mission is simple yet profound: if you take something from the earth, you should give back in a way that leaves it better than you found it. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of Mojo Maté’s production, from the fair wages paid to workers on the mate farms to the bright, positive branding that aims to spread smiles along with good energy and the type of packaging they use. This is how they define their regenerative practices.
Their mission is simple yet profound: if you take something from the earth, you should give back in a way that leaves it better than you found it.
Mojo Maté’s journey from concept to reality has been significantly shaped by the vibrant food ecosystem in the Metropole Region of Amsterdam. From the early days in 2023, David and Lars received invaluable support from local partners, networking events, and programs like the fourth edition of the Food Pioneers Program at FlevoCampus. These connections provided them with critical feedback, mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch their product to key players in the industry. The company is currently funded through crowdfunding efforts and Angel investors.
The participation in the Food Innovators kick-off event in April of this year offered new connections to the Mojo Maté team. During the event they voiced their dream of selling their drink at the Lowlands Festival. That simple act of putting their goal out into the universe connected them with someone in the festival scene, setting the wheels in motion for what could be a game-changing opportunity. David is a firm believer in the power of speaking your goals aloud, as the food ecosystem in Amsterdam is uniquely supportive, with people eager to help. Even though Lowlands Festival remains a tough nut to crack, other milestones were achieved this year. Looking back, the year 2024 marked a successful major distribution rollout in the Netherlands, proving their resilience and capacity for growth.
Mojo Maté is gearing up to launch a new flavour, adding to their existing lineup of Original and Passion fruit, offering even more variety for their customers to enjoy. As Mojo Maté continues to expand, the brand remains dedicated to scaling up without losing sight of its core values. This does not come without challenges. “The rising costs of Ingredients, especially because we want them organically, can pose an obstacle when you want to stay true to your regenerative values. But it is important to keep going if you truly believe that you’re doing a good thing!” says David.
Beyond just selling drinks, Mojo Maté is committed to setting a new standard for how businesses operate. Their approach to regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing with their local partners isn’t just a strategy—it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable business. And as they continue to grow, they hope to inspire other brands to adopt similar practices by sharing their learnings and expertise, making regenerative business practices and deeply ingrained sustainability the new norm across industries. And judging by the number of enquiries they have received from other entrepreneurs, this is starting to work!
Mojo Maté’s story is one of happy vibes, persistence, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way. By embracing regenerative practices and harnessing the power of a supportive ecosystem, David and Lars are not just building a brand—they’re paving the way for a more sustainable future in business. As David puts it, “It’s not the norm, but it should be. We aim to demonstrate that doing business ethically works and can be beneficial for everyone involved.”
So, the next time you’re looking for a refreshing, organic pick-me-up, reach for a Mojo Maté—and know that with every sip, you’re supporting a brand that’s committed to making the world a better place.
Keep up with Moto Maté and check out their social media here.
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