How Luna Matcha Ensures Authenticity and Freshness
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Our Commitment to Genuine Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha
Matcha has gained global popularity in recent years, and with this growth, unfortunately, counterfeit and improperly handled products have also increased in the market. At Luna Matcha, we believe that you deserve to enjoy matcha the way it is intended in Kyoto: fresh, authentic, and treated with respect from production to your cup.
This page outlines how we source, verify, handle, and protect the authenticity of our matcha.
1. We Are an Official, Directly Authorized Importer
Luna Matcha sources matcha directly and legitimately through Marukyu Koyamaen in Uji, Japan—one of the most respected and historically rooted tea producers in the world, with over 300 years of heritage.
You may review their official notice regarding unauthorized sellers here:
Notice Regarding Unauthorized Sellers (Marukyu Koyamaen):
https://www.marukyu-koyamaen.co.jp/information/news-3102/
2. Why Our Pricing Reflects Authenticity and Quality
Because we:
- Import directly from Japan
- Maintain strict turnover to ensure fresh stock only
we are affected by currency exchange rates, freight and refrigerated transport costs, and U.S. customs duties.
This means our price may be higher than:
- Marketplace resellers
- Unverified sellers online
However, we actively work to keep our prices fair:
- We set our margins conservatively.
- We prioritize quality and freshness over aggressive pricing.
We ask our customers to view this as an investment in authenticity and flavor, not just another purchase.
3. Counterfeit & Imitation Matcha: A Growing Issue
Marukyu Koyamaen has publicly warned about copy and imitation products circulating in the U.S. and Asia:
Warning About Counterfeit and Copy Products (Marukyu Koyamaen):
https://www.marukyu-koyamaen.co.jp/information/news-3156/
These imitations often:
- Use low-grade tea leaves
- Create a false impression of what real matcha should taste like
This is why choosing a verified and responsible importer matters.
4. How Luna Matcha Verifies Authenticity and Freshness
We have implemented several internal quality control practices, including:
|
Process |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Pre-Shipment Photo Documentation |
Before packing, we photograph lot numbers and expiration dates for internal records. |
|
Temperature-Aware Storage |
We store matcha in climate-controlled conditions to preserve aroma and color. |
|
Shelf-Life Discipline |
We do not ship matcha close to expiration, even if still legally sellable. |
|
Fraud Reporting Partnership |
We share suspicious customer activity or marketplace fraud reports with Marukyu Koyamaen to protect the industry. |
Our goal is not only to protect our customers, but also to help improve the integrity of the matcha market as a whole.
5. Our Promise to You
When you purchase from Luna Matcha, you receive:
Pure, fresh matcha.
Sourced with integrity.
Handled with care.
Shipped with respect.
If you ever have a concern about freshness, quality, or authenticity, we encourage you to contact us directly. We will always respond transparently and with sincerity.
Thank you for choosing to experience matcha the right way — with respect.
Luna Matcha
Honest tea. Authentic origin. True flavor.