What’s Really Going On with Matcha Supply in Japan?

Matcha lovers, you may have noticed it—prices creeping up, certain blends selling out faster, or whispers of “low stock” on your favourite ceremonial-grade tea. So what’s behind it? Why is authentic Japanese matcha harder to come by lately?

Let’s take a calm moment to look at what’s unfolding behind the scenes—and why it matters to anyone who values high-quality, mindful sipping.

The Journey of Authentic Japanese Matcha

Before it becomes that vibrant green powder in your cup, matcha begins its life in carefully tended tea fields across Japan. Shaded for weeks before harvest, hand-picked, steamed, dried, and stone-ground—this slow, skilled process is what gives matcha its signature taste, aroma, and benefits.

Unlike most teas, matcha uses the entire leaf, meaning the quality of the source is everything. And that quality can shift with the seasons.

Current Matcha Supply in Japan: A Delicate Balance

In recent seasons, tea farmers across Japan—especially in renowned growing regions like Uji and Kagoshima—have faced increasing challenges. Unpredictable weather, lower yields, and rising global demand have placed real pressure on supply.

Japan’s matcha-growing regions are small and rooted in tradition. Production hasn’t been scaled the way coffee or wine has. So when harvests are impacted—even slightly—the ripple effects are felt quickly.

While matcha is now being produced in places like China, Japanese matcha stands apart. True Japanese matcha is shade-grown, stone-ground, and crafted with centuries of care. The result? A smoother flavour, vibrant green colour, and a higher concentration of calming compounds like L-theanine. Many cheaper matcha powders on the market come from China, but lack the same depth, quality, and mindful energy. At The Zen Tea Co., we source exclusively from trusted Japanese producers.

The Climate Factor: Weathering the Storm

In 2025, Japanese tea farmers are confronting increasingly erratic weather patterns that are directly impacting matcha yields. Regions like Uji and Wazuka have experienced a mix of late frosts, unseasonal warmth, and fluctuating rainfall—all of which disrupt the delicate balance required for cultivating tencha, the shaded leaves essential for premium matcha.

These climatic shifts not only reduce the quantity of harvestable leaves but can also influence the flavour and nutritional profile of the final matcha. As a seasonal crop with a narrow harvest window, any disruption during this time can lead to a real drop in both availability and quality.

At The Zen Tea Co., we remain committed to supporting our partner farmers through these challenges, ensuring we continue to bring you matcha that’s true to its origins—calm, clean, and full of life.

Rising Demand, Rooted Traditions

Matcha has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially among wellness seekers in the UK and around the world. But Japan’s small, often family-run tea farms aren’t designed for mass production. Scaling up too quickly risks compromising the very essence of what makes Japanese matcha so special.

At The Zen Tea Co., we believe in doing things differently. We work directly with growers who value tradition, sustainability, and craftsmanship over quantity. That means we sometimes have less to offer, but what we do have is truly worth sipping slowly.

What This Means for You (and for Us)

In short: supply is tighter, and prices may shift - but our commitment to quality never will.

We’ll continue offering premium Japanese matcha sourced with care. That might mean certain products are limited or seasonal, but we believe that’s part of the beauty. Just like the changing seasons, our offerings will ebb and flow.

If you’re a matcha regular, now’s a good time to stock up -or try a new blend while it’s still available.

A Moment for Mindfulness

This matcha moment is a reminder to savour what’s rare. To slow down. To reconnect with the origin of what’s in your cup. Whether you’re whisking up your morning boost or pausing for a midday reset, know that each bowl of matcha carries a story—from the shaded fields of Japan to your hands.

Explore Our Matcha Collection

Curious about what’s in stock?

Browse our range of authentic Japanese matcha here, sourced with intention and always crafted for calm, focused energy.