“Overwhelming demand for matcha; Will Japan face a shortage of this popular tea?

The global demand for matcha, a traditional Japanese green tea powder, has surged dramatically, leading to concerns about potential shortages within Japan. This surge is largely driven by social media trends and increased awareness of matcha’s health benefits.

In Uji, near Kyoto—a city renowned for its deep-rooted tea culture—businesses are experiencing a boom. The town has seen a 250% increase in matcha sales over the past six months, with tourists flocking to participate in matcha-making experiences and indulge in matcha-infused culinary delights.

Despite efforts to boost production, including offering subsidies to farmers to encourage the cultivation of tencha leaves used for matcha, the rapid international demand continues to outpace supply. This imbalance has resulted in higher prices and limited availability, affecting both local consumers and major tea brands.

As the popularity of matcha shows no signs of waning, addressing the supply-demand gap remains a pressing challenge for Japan’s tea industry.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following articles:

• “Skyrocketing’ demand for matcha raises fears of shortage in Japan”
• “There’s a Matcha Tea Shortage Brewing – Again”
• “A Global Matcha Shortage Is Expected This Spring – Here’s Why”