China Is Becoming the World's Matcha Factory

Matcha, a fine green tea powder, has long been associated with Japanese tea culture. However, China is rapidly becoming the world's largest matcha producer. This year, China expects to produce nearly 18,000 tonnes of matcha, representing approximately 70% of global output.

Guizhou province leads this expansion, with increasingly mechanised and industrial-scale production facilities. Chinese manufacturers are building efficient supply chains that can produce matcha at volumes far beyond traditional methods. This shift demonstrates how a food strongly linked to one culture can become a major manufacturing industry in another country.

Chinese businesses are also exploring new uses for matcha beyond traditional drinks and desserts. Companies are testing matcha as an ingredient in noodles, dumplings, and other consumer products. This innovation reflects a broader strategy to transform tea powder into diverse food applications, expanding matcha's role in the global food market.