Ingrédients de boissons

Thé, agrumes et matières premières pour boissons fonctionnelles

11 ingrédients.

FAQ: sourcing beverage ingredients from Japan

Q. What is driving global demand for Japanese tea (matcha, sencha, hojicha) in 2025–2026?

Global matcha demand has caused a documented supply shortage in Japan, with Uji No.1 carbon (tencha) prices reaching ¥8,235/kg in 2025 (record high). Major OEM suppliers (Aiya, Marukyu Koyamaen) have raised prices 50–80% and have allocation systems for new buyers. Hojicha and mugicha are positioned as caffeine-light alternatives in Western RTD markets.

Sources

  • MAFF — 2025 tea harvest auction reports
  • Industry reporting — Marukyu Koyamaen 2025 price adjustments
Q. Which Japanese beverage bases work for Western RTD (ready-to-drink) products?

Common RTD beverage bases include matcha (powdered or liquid), hojicha extract, yuzu juice and zest oils, shikuwasa juice, and amazake. Japanese suppliers also offer concentrated tea extracts (5–10x) for syrup or kombucha applications.

Sources

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese beverage ingredient suppliers

Connaissance sectorielle — non encore rattachée à une source primaire unique

Q. Are Japanese fermented beverages (amazake, koji-based) considered alcoholic in export markets?

Non-alcoholic amazake (made from rice koji only, <1% ABV) qualifies as a beverage in most markets. Sake-derived extracts and sake-kasu may trigger alcohol regulations depending on residual ABV; ask suppliers for finished-product alcohol specs before importing into dry counties or alcohol-restricted retail channels.

Sources

  • Japan National Tax Agency — Liquor Tax Act
  • US TTB — alcohol classification rules
Q. What's the typical MOQ for Japanese tea exports?

Bulk tea (sencha, hojicha, mugicha) ships in 25 kg minimums. Matcha typically starts at 1–5 kg for ceremonial grade and 10–25 kg for culinary grade — though 2025 shortage conditions have increased minimums for new buyers. Liquid extracts and concentrates start at 20–50 L drums.

Sources

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese tea export market

Connaissance sectorielle — non encore rattachée à une source primaire unique