Matcha: Made in China... Perfected in Japan
Leading the world in matcha exports, Japan ships $85 million of matcha abroad every year.
Matcha has surpassed all expectations. Especially in China, where matcha was birthed over 1,000 years ago (but long overlooked until now).
Japan adopted this varietal of tea plant on their voyages to China during the Tang Dynasty. And while China had ditched grounded teas (like matcha) for loose-leaf tea, Japan doubled-down on matcha.
And for the last millennium, the region of Kyoto has nurtured this plant and perfected the process of making matcha...
Now, at a time when the world wants to add matcha to everything, Japan is nicely positioned to capitalize on the trend with their superior product.
How did we get here?
Japan Facts:
- Japan is the world's leading exporter of matcha (Global Edge) a market growing by 9% annually reaching $5.5 billion by 2027
- 65% of Japan's green tea export is in powder form – matcha, mostly
- That equates to ¥13.3 billion or about $85 million of matcha exported yearly (Nippon)
💡 An Expert's Guide to Matcha (Japanese Taste)
