Japan

Why is Karmamatcha exploring new Japanese terroirs in 2025?

At Karma Matcha, regular trips to Japan are an integral part of our sourcing approach. However, this year, the context has changed significantly, making these trips even more essential.

Strongly growing global demand

Matcha's popularity continues to grow worldwide. In 2024, Japanese exports of green tea, including matcha, increased by 25% in value. This increased demand has put considerable pressure on Japanese producers, often small family farms, who are struggling to meet the influx of orders.

Adverse weather conditions

The year 2025 was marked by harsh weather conditions. A long winter followed by a short spring affected tea plant growth, leading to a significant drop in yields. For example, tencha (the leaf used for matcha) production in Kyoto Prefecture fell by 40% compared to the previous year. In addition, record-high temperatures exacerbated heat stress on plantations, reducing the quality and quantity of harvests.

Pressure on prices and availability

This combination of factors has led to a substantial increase in matcha prices. Production costs have climbed due to rising raw material prices, labor costs, and the impact of the weak yen. At the same time, the availability of high-quality matcha has become more limited, with producers imposing restrictions on the volumes available for export.

Exploring new terroirs to guarantee quality

Faced with these challenges, Karmamatcha has decided to expand its sourcing by exploring new Japanese terroirs. The goal is to discover less-visited regions where climatic conditions and agricultural practices can offer unique matcha profiles that complement those of Uji and Fukuoka. These explorations also help strengthen relationships with local producers, ensure optimal traceability, and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion :

The matcha market in 2025 faces unprecedented challenges, but at Karmamatcha, we remain committed to offering our customers an exceptional product. Our regular trips to Japan and our willingness to explore new terroirs demonstrate our commitment to quality, transparency, and respect for tradition.