Nestled in Misiones, Argentina, Kraus stands as an example of how family tradition, innovation and environmental respect can come together to create something truly exceptional. What began as a small family farm more than a century ago has evolved into an internationally recognized producer of organic and fair-trade certified yerba mate and tea, distributed across Argentina and around the world.
The Kraus family’s story dates back to 1894, when Francis Kraus, a young Austrian adventurer, emigrated to Argentina. Settling in Misiones with his wife Ulda Spalding, he laid the foundation for what would become generations of agricultural passion. Their eldest son, Francisco José, planted the family’s first yerba mate at just 13 years old - a gesture that would bloom into a lifelong legacy.
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In time, Francisco’s sons Juan Ángel and Román Kraus expanded the family’s land and began cultivating yerba mate and tea. With their own hands, they built nurseries, tended the soil, and developed independent production systems. Román found his calling in the fields among the crops and animals, while Juan Ángel - an inventor at heart - designed the unique smoke-free drying system still used by Kraus today. Today, the new generation - Gino, Milton and Romina Kraus - carry on their parents’ pioneering spirit, modernizing production and expanding Kraus’s global reach while staying true to the company’s values of sustainability and quality. Kraus cultivates its yerba mate and tea in Colonia Santo Domingo Savio, San Ignacio, Misiones, surrounded by the region’s vibrant red soils, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear streams. The land itself, enriched by biodiversity and home to countless native species, is treated with deep respect. |
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Guided by the principles of sustainable agriculture, Kraus avoids all herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. Instead, natural cycles are allowed to flourish - fallen flowers nourish the soil, and native trees are replanted each year through reforestation programs developed in collaboration with environmental experts from the National University of Misiones and Yale University.
Every stage of production - from cultivation to packaging in the city of Oberá - is carefully controlled to maintain the highest standards of quality and ecological balance.
Kraus’s philosophy is built upon four ethical principles that guide its organic production:
- Ecology: Working with nature rather than against it, promoting biodiversity and soil regeneration.
- Health: Ensuring a clean, chemical-free environment for workers and consumers alike.
- Precaution: Respecting traditional knowledge and rejecting unpredictable technologies like genetic modification.
- Equity: Upholding fairness, gender equality, and safe working conditions through Fair Trade practices.
One of Kraus’s proudest achievements is its unique smoke-free drying method, designed by Juan Ángel Kraus. Instead of exposing the leaves to direct fire, warm air produced by indirect heat gently dries the yerba mate. The result is a clean, mild, and aromatic product, free from the smoky taste typical of traditional methods. This innovation has become Kraus’s hallmark, setting a new standard in yerba mate production worldwide.
The Kraus logo - a large green grasshopper - was inspired by childhood memories. As a boy, Milton Kraus loved discovering the small creatures hiding among bags of tealeaves in the family’s dryer. For him, the grasshopper symbolizes life, nature, and the essence of organic farming: “something that comes from the field, something alive, something ecological.” Today, that image represents the vitality and authenticity of Kraus products.
Kraus proudly participates in the Yerba Mate Route, a 1,000-kilometer tourist circuit stretching across Misiones and Corrientes. Visitors are invited to explore the region’s history and traditions through guided tours, horseback rides, tastings, and firsthand encounters with local farmers. The route offers not only a cultural experience but also an immersion into the sustainable philosophy that defines Kraus and its peers.
Kraus products carry Organic, Fair Trade, and Kosher certifications, ensuring transparency, traceability, and commitment to human and environmental well-being. Every bag of Kraus yerba mate and tea tells a story of care - from the seed to your cup.
As the company continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to produce high-quality, natural products that respect the earth, honor family heritage, and bring people together around the simple pleasure of sharing mate.
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