Organic Matcha from Japan: Why it's so scarce in 2025
There's probably hardly any other product currently as trendy as matcha. Whether in coffee shops, supermarkets, or on social media – matcha is everywhere:
- Coffee shops offer it in countless variations
- Startups are developing creative fruit-flavored matcha drinks
- Cosmetic brands are using matcha as an active ingredient in skincare products
- Well-known social media influencers are generating additional demand with viral recipes
The result: Global demand for high-quality matcha is growing rapidly – and supply can barely keep up.
Poor Harvest Meets Rising Demand
In 2025, the matcha harvest in Japan was significantly lower due to heat and extreme weather conditions. The high-quality organic matcha from the Uji region, which is considered premium quality worldwide, is particularly affected.
The consequences:
- Organic matcha from Japan seems to have already sold out before it's even been harvested.
- Prices have more than doubled compared to 2024.
- Exports increased by 450%.
- Demand is growing particularly strongly in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Problem: No protection for the term "Uji Matcha"
Because the term "Uji Matcha" is not a protected designation of origin, inferior products from China are increasingly coming onto the market, often marketed as Japanese matcha. For consumers and retailers, this means that quality is not always guaranteed.
Current availability: Organic matcha practically sold out
Anyone currently looking for high-quality organic matcha in bulk quantities will quickly reach their limits:
The current harvest is completely sold out. Even the deliveries planned for early 2026 have largely already been allocated. Bulk organic products are currently unavailable.
We are in close contact with European importers and Japanese producers – but currently without success.
Outlook
Whether the situation will ease in the near future remains unclear. The only thing that is certain is that matcha remains one of the most sought-after raw materials in the areas of healthy nutrition, superfoods, and lifestyle products – and those seeking quality must expect higher prices and long waiting times.
Sources
- https://www.reuters.com/business/japans-heat-stressed-matcha-tea-output-struggles-meet-soaring-global-demand-2025-07-04/
- https://time.com/7305699/we-are-drinking-so-much-matcha-that-supplies-are-running-out
- Talks with our suppliers
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.