The Great Matcha Shortage: Why It’s Happening — And How LunaMatcha Keeps Your Cup Full
If you’re a matcha lover in the U.S., you might have heard rumors about a matcha shortage. Maybe your local café raised prices, or your favorite ceremonial matcha is sold out. So, is there a matcha shortage? Let’s unpack what’s happening in Japan, why this tea crisis affects all of us, and how we at LunaMatcha are staying true to our community promise: local, authentic matcha — always available.
🍵 Why Is There a Matcha Shortage 2025?
First, let’s answer the big question: why is there a matcha shortage?
Simply put, global demand has exploded. Once a treasured drink in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now a global superfood trend. Packed with antioxidants and known for its calming yet energizing effect, matcha has become the go-to for health-conscious people worldwide.
This green tea boom has triggered a Japan matcha shortage. Farmers in Kyoto and other famous tea-growing regions are under pressure to keep up with massive international orders. Prices for tencha — the tea leaves used to make matcha — have soared. Some auctions report prices rising four times higher than just five years ago. It feels like “hyperinflation” for tea farmers, and many fear this bubble could burst. If it does, some long-standing tea businesses might struggle to recover.
All of this means a real tea shortage, not just in Japan but around the world. So yes, the matcha shortage Japan is very real.
🌱 Our Roots in Kagoshima — A Little-Known Secret
Here’s something most people don’t know: many Kyoto tea houses actually source their leaves from other regions like Kagoshima. At LunaMatcha, we proudly showcase organic Kagoshima matcha — a region known for its rich soil, clean air, and bright, bold flavor.
Our founder was born and raised in Yame, Fukuoka — another region famous for premium green tea. She grew up surrounded by tea farmers whose hands produced the world’s best leaves, and whose skin stayed amazingly clear thanks to daily exposure to natural antioxidants. She carried this belief in the health power of quality tea to Los Angeles, where LunaMatcha was born.
🤝 Why We’re Different: Local, Face-to-Face, No Hype
We’re not just another brand chasing the matcha trend online. You won’t find us blasting ads on Amazon or Instagram. Instead, we meet you in person at local events like Taste of Japan and OC Japan Fair. We believe matcha is more than a trendy drink — it’s a cultural bridge and a community builder.
While big companies scramble to buy overpriced tea during this tea shortage, we work directly with trusted farmers. This keeps our supply chain strong, prices fair, and quality high — even during the Japan matcha shortage.
💚 A Promise From Our Family to Yours
We started LunaMatcha to give back — both to our Japanese farming communities and to our new neighbors here in LA. By celebrating Kagoshima’s amazing organic matcha, we help balance the pressure on Kyoto farmers while introducing you to a tea that’s just as exquisite.
So, if you’re wondering, “is there a matcha shortage?” the answer is yes — but with LunaMatcha, your cup is safe. We promise to keep bringing you authentic, organic matcha, farmed with care and shared with love.
Come see us at our next local event. Taste the difference. Feel the community. And join us in protecting real matcha for generations to come.