AOI Matcha – Rising Cost & Quality Control

Thank you sincerely for your continued support of AOI Matcha over the years. Although recent times have brought unique challenges, your loyalty and passion for matcha continue to inspire us to move forward with dedication and care.

We would like to provide clarity on the recent price increases and explain the main factors behind this change. These changes reflect our unwavering dedication to quality, combined with rising global demand, low agricultural yields, and multiple economic pressures.

While we understand that the new pricing may be unexpected, we hope this message offers valuable insight into the reasons behind it.

Preserving the freshness and quality of our matcha throughout the supply chain is critical. Because matcha is sensitive to heat-especially during warmer months, we exclusively use refrigerated containers for overseas transport. Upon arrival, all products are transferred to temperature-controlled storage facilities, where they remain until shipped to customers.

These necessary measures are essential but come with significant costs. Inflation continues to push operational and transportation expenses higher each year. Additionally, the Universal Tariff, introduced on April 1, 2005, and the upcoming Reciprocal Tariff, effective August 1, 2025, have added further pressure on pricing.

The global demand for Japanese matcha has increased dramatically, increasing competition for Tencha (matcha leaves). Unfortunately, unpredictable weather, including extreme heat and cold, has caused decreased harvests and lower yields.

apan’s agricultural workforce is also facing demographic challenges. Fewer young farmers are entering the industry, and many farms operate below full capacity due to labor shortages. Matcha cultivation is a highly skilled and time-intensive craft, requiring 5 to 7 years to prepare farmland and generations of expertise to achieve the refinement our customers expect.

The rise in matcha’s popularity is encouraging for everyone in the industry. While supply constraints and economic challenges may present limitations, our dedication to quality and transparency remains strong.