Mate is a beverage found in much of South America. While it is uncertain where mate was first made, there are more varieties of it found in Paraguay than anywhere else. Also, mate is used more widely there than anywhere else. Ttherefore, Paraguay is likely the place where mate originated.
The statement 'Typically, the longer a beverage has been in use in a particular place, the more widely that beverage is used there' would most strengthen the argument.