With the ongoing matcha shortage worldwide, are we saying goodbye to the beloved matcha drink in the meantime?
Photo: Unsplash
The hype for matcha has definitely gone global in recent years. Its vibrant green color, premium taste, and availability in numerous cafés and restaurants worldwide are just some of the many reasons why everyone loves this green drink!
Matcha is also known for its health benefits. Aside from being high in antioxidants, it contains specific compounds that boost brain function and promote a healthy heart and liver.
Apart from being a classic staple in food and drink menus and being proven healthy, preparing your own matcha at home is also easy! However, the increasing demand has led to a major supply challenge, specifically in Japan, where you can source the highest and most premium quality matcha.
In numerous TikTok videos, several users have shared that there is a matcha shortage in Japan, with several brands suspending sales due to overwhelming demand.
For instance, Ippudo Tea released a statement regarding the temporary suspension of sales for specific matcha products.
“Production has been unable to keep pace with the recent surge in demand for matcha, leading to a shortage of supply,” it wrote. “As a result, we regret to inform you that we will temporarily suspend the sales of certain matcha products until the beginning of 2025.”
It concluded: “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes our valued customers.”
Similarly, the matcha shortage has affected Australian cafés and retailers, which has placed a limit on online purchases for matcha products.
However, Maria Mooney, the Sydney-based director of Grow Green Tea Company and Matcha Matcha, disputed claims of a matcha shortage in Australia.
“There is no shortage of matcha production not only across our farms, but our contracted farms across Japan,” Mooney said in an article published by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite the ongoing matcha shortage in Japan and Australia, the effects are not significantly felt in the Philippines as of writing.
Matcha has a unique harvesting schedule unlike other varieties of tea. The first flush matcha, considered the highest quality, is harvested between late April and early May. The 100% ceremonial matcha sold by renowned tea manufacturers comes from these first flush harvests.
Meanwhile, the tea from the second and third harvests, which take place in June and July and again in September and October, is sometimes blended with the earlier harvests. This is commonly seen as “latte grade” or “culinary matcha,” which is used in most matcha-flavored drinks and pastries sold worldwide.
Whether the ongoing shortage can be linked to its increasing popularity on social media, tourists hoarding matcha powder in stores, or simply because it’s not peak season for harvesting, online users are kindly reminding buyers and green tea enthusiasts to buy only when needed.
ALSO READ: The Matcha Tokyo Unveils Exclusive Menu at Its Parqal Mall Branch
