Bahan minuman

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.

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.

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.

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.