Published On July 23, 2025

Why Is There a Matcha Shortage?

Matcha, the finely ground green tea powder known for its vibrant color, health benefits, and ceremonial importance, is facing an unexpected global shortage. As demand surges across continents, both consumers and wholesale buyers are starting to feel the pressure of limited supply, rising prices, and inconsistent quality. But what exactly is driving this scarcity?

Skyrocketing Global Demand

Over the past decade, matcha has moved from niche Japanese tea houses into mainstream cafes, health food stores, and beauty products around the world. Its reputation as a superfood packed with antioxidants and clean energy has attracted health enthusiasts, celebrities, and even athletes. From matcha lattes to matcha-infused skincare, the demand has skyrocketed and producers are struggling to keep up.

Limited Farming and Processing Capacity

Unlike other teas, matcha requires very specific growing conditions, careful shading before harvest, and labor-intensive processing. Most authentic ceremonial-grade matcha still comes from Japan, where land for tea farming is limited and production cannot easily scale. Even with interest growing in matcha cultivation elsewhere, the expertise and climate required are not easily replicated.

Shrinking Workforce in Traditional Tea Regions

Tea farming in Japan has long been a tradition passed down through generations. However, younger generations are increasingly moving away from agriculture in pursuit of urban careers. As a result, the aging population of tea farmers is unable to meet global demands. With fewer hands to cultivate and harvest high-grade tea leaves, production bottlenecks are inevitable.

Disruptions Across the Supply Chain

From delayed harvests to shipping interruptions and customs backlogs, global supply chains are still recovering from post-pandemic pressures. Bulk matcha orders may face long lead times, sudden shortages, or unreliable delivery schedules—all of which disrupt business operations.

How to Manage Matcha Shortages Effectively

While the challenges are real, they’re not insurmountable. Bulk buyers and wholesale distributors can adopt a strategic approach to ensure continuity and maintain quality standards.

Work with Multiple Trusted Suppliers

Relying on a single supplier makes your business vulnerable to disruptions. By building relationships with multiple trusted producers—especially those with transparent sourcing and sustainable farming practices—you can better manage shortages and maintain a steady flow of inventory.

Plan Ahead with Accurate Demand Forecasting

Use sales data, seasonal trends, and market research to forecast demand with greater accuracy. Placing orders in advance and maintaining buffer stock can help avoid last-minute scrambling. Investing in reliable forecasting tools can also reduce overstock and wastage

Inform and Educate Your Customers

Transparency goes a long way. If product availability or pricing changes due to the global shortage, keeping your customers informed builds trust. Share educational content about what makes authentic matcha special and why quality may vary. This helps set realistic expectations and deepens appreciation for the product.

Authenticity Matters: Why Quality Matcha Stands Out

In a time of scarcity, authenticity becomes even more important. Premium-grade matcha offers distinct characteristics that cheaper alternatives can’t replicate—and understanding these helps buyers make informed decisions.

What Does Matcha Actually Taste Like?

High-quality ceremonial matcha has a naturally sweet, grassy flavor with a creamy finish and a touch of umami. It should be smooth, not bitter or gritty. The taste varies by region and harvest, but fresh matcha always delivers a clean, rich experience. If your matcha tastes overly bitter or dull, it may be of low grade or poorly stored.

The Wellness Buzz: Real Health Benefits of Matcha

Chasen design isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over time, various schools of tea developed specific preferences for tine count, shape, and density. Some prefer thick tines for faster frothing; others favor thinner, more numerous tines for a delicate texture. These variations led to a diverse family of whisks, each with a unique function and aesthetic.

Matcha and Caffeine: What You Need to Know

A single serving of matcha has about 60-70 mg of caffeine—less than a cup of coffee but more than traditional green tea. Thanks to the presence of L-theanine, the caffeine in matcha provides sustained energy without jitters, making it ideal for productivity, workouts, and daily focus.

Explore matcha’s roots in Zen Buddhism and its role in meditative rituals.

Matcha originated in China but was refined and ritualized in Japan during the 12th century by Zen monks. It became a cornerstone of Japanese tea ceremonies (“chanoyu”), symbolizing mindfulness, discipline, and harmony. The preparation of matcha was more than a drink—it was a spiritual practice, connecting the present moment with centuries of tradition.

How matcha gained momentum through endorsements and lifestyle branding

Fast forward to the 21st century, and matcha is now a staple in wellness cafes, luxury skincare lines, and influencer posts. Celebrities and wellness gurus praise it for its clean energy, detox benefits, and aesthetic appeal. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, played a major role in making matcha lattes visually iconic, contributing to its viral growth.

Collaborations between Japanese producers and global lifestyle brands also brought matcha into new spaces, from matcha protein bars to green tea face masks, cementing its status as a global health trend.

Final Thoughts

The global matcha shortage is a multifaceted challenge shaped by rising demand, limited production capacity, and structural issues in the supply chain. However, for businesses and consumers who value authenticity, sustainability, and wellness, this period is also an opportunity to reconnect with matcha’s rich heritage and elevate their sourcing standards. Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or passionate matcha drinker, understanding the bigger picture can help you navigate this green wave with confidence and clarity.

Explore ceremonial-grade matcha, traditional tools, and wholesale options at MatchaKai.ae to ensure you’re getting the real deal—straight from Japan to your cup.