Frequently asked questions
Answers about our matcha sourcing service.
Understand the service scope, approval limits, supplier work, wholesale terms, samples, OEM, documents and order coordination.
Working with us
One Japan-based contact for supplier work.
What does “Japan-side matcha agent” mean?
We use your approved requirements in supplier communication, comparison, negotiation and order coordination in Japan. Your team retains approval of the product, supplier and binding orders.
Can you communicate with suppliers on our behalf?
Yes. The agreed scope can include new outreach, follow-up with an existing shortlist, clarification of price and order questions and coordination of pending supplier actions.
Are you the importer of record or customs broker?
Not by default. We manage Japan-side sourcing and available supplier or shipping-document coordination. Destination import responsibility and customs clearance remain with the buyer or its appointed provider unless separately agreed in writing.
I already have suppliers, samples and pricing. Can you take over?
We can start with your supplier list, sample notes and quotes. We then identify missing information, put terms on the same basis and follow up with suppliers.
Can you obtain and compare current wholesale pricing?
The service can include requesting current written wholesale quotes and separating them from sample-order or consumer pricing. Final pricing depends on supplier response, specification, volume and availability.
Can you negotiate 10 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg and recurring-order pricing?
Relevant volume tiers can be requested and compared. The appropriate breakpoints depend on the category, supplier, packaging and expected monthly or annual demand.
Can you coordinate private-label and OEM terms?
Yes. The work can cover unbranded or branded packaging, fill size, MOQ, production lead time, artwork responsibilities and finished-goods milestones.
Can you manage the supplier relationship after selection?
Ongoing support can include forecasts, quote updates, order coordination, document collection and supplier communication.
Supply & ordering
Wholesale basics.
Do you ship worldwide?
International business enquiries are welcome. Whether a specific order can be arranged depends on the product, destination, importer requirements, logistics, prices and order terms.
What is your minimum order quantity?
MOQ varies by product, specification, packaging and supplier. Share your initial and annual volume so options can be considered for the expected order size. Through our current supplier network, programs run from 10 kg up to about one tonne per month, and smaller first lots are negotiable. Hand-picked, stone-milled ceremonial lots from Uji are typically offered from 5 kg.
How much does Japanese matcha cost?
Pricing depends on quality, origin, harvest, volume, certification, packaging and availability. Fixed public pricing would not accurately represent those variables.
Can you support large or recurring volumes?
Larger and ongoing requirements can be discussed. Availability, lead time and potential allocation must be confirmed for the selected matcha.
Do you sell to individual consumers?
No. The service is designed for companies and professional buyers seeking matcha for business use.
Do you also supply hojicha powder?
Yes. Roasted hojicha powder is available through the same supplier network — conventional and organic, in fine mesh grades that suit lattes and baking — with the same export documents as matcha. Tell us the use and volume, and we will include hojicha options in your proposal.
Samples & selection
Test before a larger order.
Can I request samples?
Yes. Sample availability, selection, fees and shipping terms are confirmed after reviewing your business and intended use.
How should I compare samples?
Use the same dose, recipe, water, milk, equipment and scoring method. Test the matcha in the real application whenever possible.
Which region of Japan should I choose?
Start from the intended use. Kyoto / Uji, Aichi / Nishio and Fukuoka / Yame are useful premium starting points, while Kagoshima, Shizuoka and Mie can broaden beverage or manufacturing searches. See the regional comparison guide, then verify the actual supplier, product, documents and availability.
Do you use ceremonial and culinary grades?
These labels can be broad and do not replace a product specification. We prefer to discuss intended use, harvest, sensory profile and performance.
Organic, private label & documents
Requirements are confirmed per product.
Do you offer organic matcha?
Organic options can be explored. Certification and suitability for the destination market are confirmed for the specific product. Through our network, EU-oriented certified organic matcha (Organic JAS with international certification) is available in programs of up to 300–500 kg per month.
Is matcha halal?
Pure matcha is a single-ingredient product — shade-grown green tea leaves ground into powder — with no additives, alcohol or animal-derived processing aids, so it is widely accepted as halal by nature. Formal halal certification is a separate matter: some Japanese producers hold it and many do not. If your market or customers require a certificate, tell us at the start and we will make it part of the supplier screen. Suppliers in our current network hold NAHA halal certification, and halal certificates can accompany commercial lots.
Can you provide private-label packaging?
Private-label possibilities depend on matcha specification, packaging format, quantity, destination and production availability.
Which documents can be provided?
Depending on the selected product, discussions may include origin, lot information, COA, organic certificates, testing and packaging specifications. For export shipments, suppliers can also arrange a certificate of origin and a certificate of manufacture issued through the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with the packing list and invoice. The EU has no health or sanitary certificate requirement for Japanese plant-based processed foods, and its radiation-testing rule for Japanese tea was abolished in August 2023.
Does matcha need a phytosanitary certificate?
No. Matcha is dried, heat-treated and milled, so it is exempt from plant quarantine under Japan’s Plant Protection Act — Japanese plant-protection authorities do not issue phytosanitary certificates for it. If a destination authority or broker asks for one, an official written confirmation of the exemption can be obtained from Japan’s Plant Protection Station instead. Unprocessed tea leaf, aracha and live plant material do fall under quarantine, which is where most of the confusion comes from.
Can you guarantee compliance in my country?
The buyer and importer remain responsible for confirming applicable import, labeling and market requirements. Available product information can be discussed during sourcing.
Your service scope
What should we handle with suppliers in Japan?
Tell us the current stage, intended use, volume, destination and unanswered supplier questions.