A quick word with Luisito Matero

Interesting. In all my years of polo this is, I think, the first time I've come across a sponsor who's business is supplying his clients with yerba, the herb used in making that traditional South American drink, maté. I was curious to meet this young man and I had expected an Argentinian. But no, there he was, a young German, Luis Burghardt, whose intense experience of the Argentine way of life gave him the idea of supplying top quality organic yerba to maté enthusiasts. We met at Polo Club Landsberg--Ammersee.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Three years ago I visited Argentina. I was curious about this herb drink everyone was enjoying, the ubiquitous maté. I tried it and, at first, found it strange and rather bitter. But it grows on you.I tried the Argentinian type "con palo" (with stalks) and the Uruguayan type "sin palo" (without stalks) and these are the types I now sell. I sell only bio organic premium quality yerba and also handcrafted maté accessories.

And how long have you been in this business?

In 2022 I got back to Germany and thought about starting the business up, but it took a little while. In 2023 I opened my online shop, Luisito Matero. I'm based in Frankfurt but I sell all over the place. It's still what I call a "side hustle" though. Maybe someday I'll be able to live from it, but in the meantime I'll keep my day job of bike mechanic/specialist.

How did your connection to polo and Polo Club Landsberg-Ammersee come about? You are, after all, a team sponsor here at this tournament, La Pava Grande Cup.

Well of course I have quite a few clients among the Argentine polo players. That has brought me into watching the game but I'm not a player. One of my clients, Ezequiel Gallardo, of @ezepolomallets, suggested I sponsor a team and bring some of my products to Landsberg introducing spectators and players to the maté experience.

What's the Syrian connection?

I've teamed up with Elie who's originally from Syria where a lot of maté is also drunk. We promote each other and manage the website together. Both of us have this idea of bringing top quality yerba to our clients.

Your enthusiasm does you credit, Luis and I wish you the very best. Thank you for your time.

My pleasure, Jan.