If you’ve been searching for matcha tea lately, you might have noticed it’s harder to find—or more expensive than usual. That’s because global demand for matcha tea has been exploding. With more people discovering its earthy flavor, vibrant green or brown color, and smooth energy boost, matcha’s popularity has soared worldwide.
But here’s the problem: much of the world’s matcha tea comes from Japan, and right now, supply simply can’t keep up with demand. This has led to higher prices, longer wait times, and—unfortunately—quality compromises as producers rush to meet orders.
The Matcha Shortage Explained
The growing love for matcha around the globe isn’t just a trend—it’s a wave that’s transformed the tea industry. Over the last decade, matcha has moved from being a niche drink enjoyed in Japanese tea ceremonies to a staple in cafés, wellness shops, and kitchens worldwide. People are drawn to its vibrant green color, unique umami flavor, and its smooth, steady energy without the crash.
But this surge in popularity has created a problem: most of the world’s matcha comes from Japan, and supply simply can’t keep up with demand. Producing premium matcha isn’t as simple as planting more tea bushes—it’s a highly specialized process that takes time, care, and the right growing conditions. The finest matcha comes from tender, young tea leaves carefully cultivated for peak flavor and nutrition, then steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder.
While many producers shade their matcha plants before harvest, Wild Orchard’s leaves are grown entirely in full sun, a choice that enhances their bold flavor, increases nutrient density, and reflects our commitment to doing things differently. This is not a process that can be rushed without compromising quality.
As global demand skyrockets, this limited supply has led to:
- Higher Prices – As with any in-demand commodity, costs rise when supply is tight.
- Longer Wait Times – Exporting delays mean customers wait weeks or months for fresh matcha.
- Quality Drops – Some suppliers turn to lower-grade matcha or blend with other teas to meet volume, resulting in duller color, more bitterness, and fewer nutrients.
In other words, the shortage doesn’t just affect availability—it affects the integrity of what’s in your cup. For tea drinkers who care about taste, freshness, and the health benefits of matcha, that’s a serious concern.
The Wild Orchard Difference
At Wild Orchard, we’re not at the mercy of a global supply chain—because we grow our matcha ourselves. Every leaf is cultivated on our Regenerative Organic Certified® farm on Jeju Island, South Korea. Read all about our farm and our story here.
Our matcha is:
- 🌱 Single-Origin – Grown, harvested, and processed entirely on our farm
- 💚 Regenerative Organic Certified® – Protecting the soil, the ecosystem, and the health of every plant
- ☀️ Full-Sun Grown – Intensifying flavor and boosting nutrient levels naturally, on both our black or green matcha
- 🌊 Nurtured by Nature – Jeju’s volcanic soil, fresh air, and ocean mist create the perfect environment for vibrant, flavorful leaves
And unlike most matcha brands, we don’t just offer traditional green matcha—we also craft bold, full-sun grown black matcha, a roasted, antioxidant-rich alternative with deep, chocolatey notes. Both are grown with the same regenerative care, giving you a choice of flavors and health benefits that suit your mood and taste.
From Our Farm to Your Cup
Because we oversee every step—from planting to packaging—you never have to worry about shortages, inflated prices, or getting matcha that’s anything less than exceptional. What’s in your cup is always:
- Freshly harvested
- Pure and clean
- Full of flavor and nutrients
We don’t cut corners. We don’t blend with lower grades. And we don’t compromise—ever.
While the world scrambles to source enough matcha, Wild Orchard drinkers enjoy peace of mind (and the perfect cup) year-round. Whether you choose classic green matcha or rich black matcha, your latte, smoothie, or whisked cup of tea is always fresh, always pure, and always from the source.
So even in a global matcha shortage, your latte, smoothie, or whisked cup of green or black perfection is safe with us.
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