Japanese Matcha B2B Wholesale Supply Guide (For Restaurants/Cafes)
Overview
Matcha demand has grown rapidly in Macau and Hong Kong's high-end dining market in recent years, with extensive use in matcha lattes, desserts, and kaiseki cuisine. Different matcha grades correspond to different applications, and wholesale procurement requires understanding grade classifications, origin differences, distributor information, and storage specifications to effectively control costs and ensure consistent quality.
Core Data Tables
Matcha Grades and Wholesale Prices (2026 FOB Reference Prices)
| Grade | Usage | Wholesale Price JPY/100g | Representative Characteristics | Recommended Settings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremonial Grade | Matcha ceremony/tea whisking consumption | 1,500–5,000 | Vibrant emerald green, extremely low bitterness, delicate sweetness | Tea ceremony rooms, high-end Japanese restaurants |
| Premium (Culinary Grade) | High-end desserts/beverages | 600–1,500 | Fresh green, noticeable aroma, slight bitterness | Specialty cafes, Michelin-level desserts |
| Culinary Grade A | Regular desserts/beverages | 200–600 | Medium green, suitable for heated cooking | Popular cafes, bakeries |
| Culinary Grade B | Large-scale industrial use | 80–200 | Yellowish-green, more bitter | Beverage factories, mass production dessert manufacturers |
Major Matcha-Producing Regions Comparison
| Production Area | Region | Key Characteristics | Wholesale Premium | Aroma | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uji | Kyoto Prefecture | Most famous matcha-producing area in Japan, longest history | +20–30% | Rich and sweet | High-end restaurants, gifts |
| Nishio | Aichi Prefecture | Largest matcha production area in Japan, stable supply | Base price | Fresh with slight bitterness | Cafes, baking |
| Yame | Fukuoka Prefecture | Representative production area of Kyushu, fast export growth | +5–15% | Delicate sweet fragrance | Specialty beverages, desserts |
| Okuyame | Fukuoka Prefecture | Top-quality Yame production area, shade-grown | +25–40% | Deep and layered | Tea ceremony, high-end confections |
Major Matcha Agents in Macau/Hong Kong
| Supplier/Agent | Region | Major Brands | Minimum Order | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Tea Hong Kong General Agent | Hong Kong | Tsujiri, Kamibayashi Shunshō | 500g/order | 2–3 weeks |
| Green Tea Alliance Import | Hong Kong + Macau | Nishio Industries, Ishiiuya | 1 kg/order | 3–4 weeks |
| Ippodo Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Ippodo's own brand | 200g/order | 1–2 weeks |
| Direct Sourcing Program (Factory Direct) | — | Uji/Yame Agricultural Cooperative | 5 kg/batch | 4–6 weeks |
Procurement Process
- Determine Usage and Grade: First clarify the usage scenario (tea ceremony/latte/cake), then select the corresponding grade; avoid using Ceremonial grade for large-batch beverages (cost too high)
- Request Samples: Regular suppliers provide 10–30g samples; it is recommended to test grinding, test latte pulling, and test tea brewing to confirm that aroma, color, and taste meet requirements
- Prepare Import Documents:
- Certificate of Origin (proof of origin and producer)
- Food Safety Certificate (pesticide residue test report, according to Codex/Hong Kong food safety regulations)
- Radiation Safety Certificate (Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
- Batch Procurement and Storage Planning: Matcha has a short shelf life after opening; it is recommended to procure in small batches of 500g–2 kg to reduce oxidation losses
- Customs Declaration: Matcha is an agricultural product, HS code 0902.10 (green tea); Macau customs clearance usually takes 1–2 days
Notes
- Oxidation is the most critical issue: Matcha oxidizes rapidly upon exposure to air, turning yellow and losing its fresh flavor; must use airtight, light-blocking containers, refrigerate after opening, and use within 1–2 months
- Confusing "Uji Matcha" labeling: Many products on the market claim to be "Uji," but may only be processed in Uji rather than grown there; authentic "Uji Matcha" should have a JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) Kyoto Uji Tea Association certification
- Pesticide residue compliance: The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety has strict standards for pesticide residues in tea; ensure suppliers provide third-party pesticide testing reports (SGS/Eurofins)
- Minimum order quantity vs. storage capacity: Factory direct MOQ is typically 5 kg or more; small to medium cafes are advised to source through local agents in small batches of 500g–1 kg, which avoids inventory waste despite slightly higher costs
- Seasonal purchasing timing: New tea season (April–May) offers the best quality; it is recommended to place orders for annual supply during June–August for frozen storage (-18°C can preserve for 18 months)
Related Resources
- [[FactcheckDocs/JP/JP_datatable_B2B食材供應_v3]]
- [[FactcheckDocs/JP/b2b/JP_datatable_hokkaido_dairy_wholesale_v1]]
- [[FactcheckDocs/JP/b2b/JP_datatable_japanese_food_customs_clearance_v1]]
Sources / Verification
The data in this article is compiled from internal FactcheckDocs (JP_datatable_matcha_wholesale_suppliers_v1.md), referencing publicly available official JP region data and industry documents. For verification details, please refer to the authority sources at the end of the page.
[[FactcheckDocs/JP/JP_datatable_B2B食材供應_v3]][[FactcheckDocs/JP/b2b/JP_datatable_hokkaido_dairy_wholesale_v1]][[FactcheckDocs/JP/b2b/JP_datatable_japanese_food_customs_clearance_v1]]
Frequently Asked Questions
How to select matcha grade based on usage?
First determine the usage scenario: Ceremonial for tea ceremony and usucha (thin tea), Premium for desserts and premium beverages, Culinary A for general desserts and standard brewing, Culinary B for industrial mass production. Avoid using Ceremonial in bulk to replace Culinary A, as costs would be too high.
What is the approximate range for matcha wholesale prices?
Prices vary significantly by grade, ranging from approximately ¥80 to ¥5,000 per 100g. Typically, Ceremonial is around ¥1,500–5,000, Premium is around ¥600–1,500, Culinary A is around ¥200–600, and Culinary B is around ¥80–200.
Which region's matcha should high-end establishments choose?
For those who prioritize aroma and complexity, Uji (+20–30%) oroku-Yame (+25–40%) are preferred options. For stable supply and cost balance, Nishio serves as the baseline price option, while Yame falls between quality and price.
Why request samples before procurement?
Standard suppliers typically can provide 10–30g samples. It is recommended to test grinding, frothing (拉鐵), and tea whisk (點茶). Through verifying aroma, color, and taste, you can avoid purchasing batches that don't meet expectations and reduce inventory losses.
What import documents are needed for wholesale procurement?
Basic requirements include origin/producer certification, food safety certification (including pesticide residue testing), and radiation safety certification. For customs clearance, refer to HS code 0902.10 (green tea). It is recommended to confirm document versions with your supplier.
