Arya News - Matcha is rapidly growing in popularity, with the global market projected to reach $5 billion by 2028, according to Forbes. However, there is a significant challenge: the supply may not be able to keep up with demand. As The Japan Times reported, Japanese tea manufacturers announced purchasing ...
Matcha is rapidly growing in popularity, with the global market projected to reach $5 billion by 2028, according to Forbes . However, there is a significant challenge: the supply may not be able to keep up with demand.
As The Japan Times reported, Japanese tea manufacturers announced purchasing limits on matcha powder, causing shortages in cafes across major cities. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that matcha is harvested only once a year. While Japan’s domestic consumption of matcha and green tea has declined, the rest of the world’s demand has surged, contributing to the supply crunch.
However, a silver lining is on the horizon with the 2025 harvest approaching. However, the Global Japanese Tea Association notes that this will lead to many late nights for those in the matcha industry.
"The unique and seasonal nature of matcha production makes it inherently limited," the association said on its website. "High-quality matcha can only be made from spring tea leaves."
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) reported that Japan’s tea production nearly tripled from 2010 to 2023 to meet the growing demand, but despite these efforts, more than half of the tea produced in the country is now exported, leaving it less available for domestic use. This shift has made it difficult for cafes and manufacturers worldwide to secure enough matcha powder for their products.
As global interest in matcha continues to grow, its availability could become even more limited, posing a challenge for both producers and tea drinkers alike.