Japan Ingredient Sourcing
Raw material / 原材料Beverage ingredients

Sencha Extract

煎茶エキス (Sencha ekisu)

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Why source from Japan

Sencha is the most widely consumed Japanese green tea.

Key spec

FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 20–100 kg.

Typical end-product

Ready-to-drink (RTD) green tea beverages — Authentic Japanese green tea SKU at premium price point versus generic Asian green tea blends.

At a glance

Suppliers listed
10 suppliers
Typical MOQ
20–100 kg
Typical lead time
4–8 weeks
Regions of origin
Shizuoka, Kagoshima, Mie, Kyoto (Uji)
Category
Beverage ingredients
Harvest season
April – October (multiple flushes)
Japan regulatory status
Food Sanitation Act; can qualify as FFC ingredient for specific effects
Japanese name
煎茶エキス
Romaji
Sencha ekisu

About this ingredient

Sencha is the most widely consumed Japanese green tea. The extract form is spray-dried or concentrated for use in beverages, supplements, and functional foods. Catechins, L-theanine, caffeine, and chlorophyll are key actives. Several FFC products cite sencha polyphenol or specific catechin content for metabolism claims.

Regulatory status

JapanFood Sanitation Act; can qualify as FFC ingredient for specific effects
EUFood import; catechin / caffeine levels disclosed
United StatesGenerally recognized as food
ChinaVerify

FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. Which Japanese regions are major sencha extract sources?

Four prefectures account for the majority of Japanese tea: Shizuoka (largest, ~40% of national production), Kagoshima (rapidly growing, mechanized large-scale production), Mie, and Kyoto (Uji — premium / heritage). Most sencha extract houses are co-located in or sourced from these regions. Kagoshima is often the most cost-competitive bulk source; Uji is positioned as premium with terroir story.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

Q. What MOQ and lead time should I expect for sencha extract?

Industry-typical MOQ is 20–100 kg of spray-dried or liquid extract, with 4–8 week lead times for standard SKUs. Standardized-catechin extracts (e.g., 30%, 50%, 90% total catechins) carry 2–4 week additional lead time. Full first-flush (ichibancha) source extracts are seasonally constrained and command a premium.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Q. What COA parameters and certifications matter for export?

Key COA parameters: total catechins (HPLC), EGCG specifically, caffeine, L-theanine if positioned, moisture, ash, microbiological limits, pesticide residues (significant for tea — especially for EU MRL compliance), and heavy metals. Pesticide residue compliance is the single most common hurdle for EU export; request a recent multi-residue panel against EU MRL list. JAS Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade certifications are commonly available.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

Q. How is radioactivity testing handled?

Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, several markets (notably the EU and Korea) historically required radionuclide test certificates on Japanese tea exports. EU restrictions on Japanese food imports were lifted by Regulation (EU) 2023/1453, but some importers and retailers still request a Cs-134/Cs-137 test result as a documentation comfort measure. Japanese sencha extract suppliers can provide standardized radionuclide certificates on request.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

Use cases

  • Ready-to-drink (RTD) green tea beverages

    Positioning
    Authentic Japanese green tea SKU at premium price point versus generic Asian green tea blends.
    Typical usage level
    Sencha extract at 0.05–0.2% in finished RTD beverage to deliver target catechin and brewed-tea flavor.
    Formulation notes
    Use ascorbic acid to stabilize color and catechins; avoid extreme heat treatments after extract addition.

    Sources

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Body-fat reduction Tokuho / FFC supplements

    Positioning
    Catechin-standardized soft gels or tablets with FFC-notified body-fat reduction support claims.
    Typical usage level
    FFC products in this category typically provide 200–540 mg of gallate-type catechins per daily serving — verify specific notification.

    Sources

  • Antioxidant skincare formulations

    Positioning
    Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract as a natural antioxidant active in toners, essences, and sun-care.
    Typical usage level
    0.5–3% extract solution in finished cosmetic.

    Sources

  • Tea-flavored confectionery and ice cream

    Positioning
    Authentic Japanese green tea flavor for premium confectionery; differentiated from matcha by sencha's brighter, less vegetal profile.
    Typical usage level
    Sencha extract powder 0.5–2% on finished mass.

    Sources

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Japanese suppliers

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Disclaimer

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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.

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Last updated: 2026-04-24

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