When it comes to modern beverages that blend tradition, wellness, and style, few drinks have captured the imagination of the world like matcha tea. With its iconic bright green color and smooth, earthy flavor, matcha has transformed from a centuries-old Japanese ritual into a global tea drink trend. But what lies behind this irresistible glow that has the world so captivated?

In this article, we uncover the story of matcha, its growing role in the international beverage scene, and how Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd is introducing premium-quality matcha tea products to consumers worldwide.

Key takeaways:

• Why it’s so green: Matcha’s “glow” comes from shade-grown leaves that ramp up chlorophyll and L-theanine while dialing down some bitter catechins—yielding vivid color and umami. 

• How it’s made (in short): Shade → pick → steam/dry into tencha → stone-mill to ultrafine powder. True matcha is tencha that’s been ground (traditionally on granite mills). 

• Shading styles shape flavor: Producers use methods from kanreisha (synthetic canopies) to honzu (reeds + straw), typically 3–6+ weeks; longer/more traditional shading tends to deepen color and umami. 

• Quality drivers: Cultivar choice, first-flush timing (ichibancha), careful de-veining of leaves, and slow grinding (to avoid heat) all protect aroma, texture, and color. 

• From tea rooms to RTD: Matcha’s rise in lattes/RTD owes to the smooth, low-bitterness profile from shading—now a social-media-friendly alternative to coffee.

The Origins of Matcha: From Japanese Tradition to Global Trend

Long before it became a café staple in New York, Paris, or Ho Chi Minh City, matcha was a sacred Japanese tea used in Zen rituals and tea ceremonies. The process was meticulous: shade-grown tea leaves carefully handpicked, steamed, stone-ground into a fine green tea powder, and then whisked into hot water to create a smooth, frothy drink.

This centuries-old tradition gave matcha its unique identity: not just a drink, but a cultural symbol of mindfulness, respect, and connection. Today, as global consumers seek both authenticity and innovation, matcha stands as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern lifestyles.

Why the World Can’t Resist the Green Glow

The appeal of matcha tea lies in more than just taste. Around the globe, people are drawn to its vibrant appearance, the sense of natural purity it represents, and the versatility it offers in beverages and desserts. From lattes to smoothies, ice cream to energy shots, matcha has become a star ingredient.

• Visual impact: The bright green color signals freshness and vitality, making it perfect for Instagram-worthy drinks.
• Versatility: Matcha fits seamlessly into both traditional tea preparation and modern café creations.
• Lifestyle fit: As people seek natural, plant-based, and functional beverages, matcha perfectly checks every box.

It’s this combination of tradition and trend that makes matcha one of the fastest-growing categories in the tea drink industry today.

Matcha Tea in the Global Beverage Market

Market research shows that matcha is no longer just a niche item in specialty shops. It is now a mainstream favorite across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Consumers from Tokyo to Toronto are asking for green tea powder-based drinks because they represent a balance of culture, wellness, and premium experience.

• Asia-Pacific: Driven by heritage and innovation, matcha beverages are a staple in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.
• Europe: Trend-driven markets like the UK, Germany, and France embrace matcha in cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets.
• North America: Matcha lattes and ready-to-drink teas are among the most sought-after functional beverages in the U.S. and Canada.

With this global demand, companies like Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd are playing an important role in supplying international markets with authentic yet modernized matcha tea products.

The Rita Approach: Crafting Matcha Tea for Today’s Consumers

At Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd, we understand that consumers want more than just a drink—they want a story, an experience, and assurance of quality. That’s why our matcha tea line is carefully developed to deliver freshness, authenticity, and convenience.

• Authentic sourcing: Matcha powder sourced with attention to quality and traditional techniques.
• Modern production: Using advanced technology to preserve taste, aroma, and vibrant color.
• Global packaging standards: Sleek, eco-friendly packaging that appeals to both international buyers and health-conscious consumers.

Our mission is to transform matcha from a niche specialty into a mainstream tea drink choice available in supermarkets, cafés, and households around the world.

Packaging: The First Handshake With Customers

When competing internationally, packaging design is just as important as the product itself. At Rita, we invest in packaging that reflects the story of matcha: premium, natural, and ready for modern lifestyles.

• Eco-friendly focus: Consumers want sustainability, and our packaging solutions meet that expectation.
• Visual storytelling: Vibrant green visuals highlight the natural identity of matcha tea.
• Convenience: From sleek cans to PET bottles, Rita offers formats that suit on-the-go lifestyles.

This packaging strategy allows Rita matcha tea products to stand out instantly on shelves while delivering the promise of quality.

Consumer Feedback: Why People Love Rita’s Matcha Tea

Customers consistently highlight three things when it comes to our tea drink collections:

1. Taste: Smooth, refreshing, and authentic matcha flavor.
2. Clean label: Simple, transparent ingredients that feel natural and trustworthy.
3. Variety: Beyond pure matcha tea, flavored variations offer exciting experiences for adventurous drinkers.

From young café-goers to busy professionals, Rita’s matcha tea appeals to diverse audiences worldwide.

Tips for Brands Entering the Matcha Tea Market

For companies and entrepreneurs considering their first matcha tea product, the lessons are clear:

• Know your audience: Understand whether they value tradition, innovation, or both.
• Craft an authentic brand story: Highlight culture and natural appeal.
• Choose the right partner: Work with established manufacturers like Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd to ensure consistent quality and international export capability.

With the right foundation, matcha tea can be more than just a drink—it can be a global brand statement.

Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd: Bringing Matcha Tea to the World

Based in Vietnam, Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd has built a reputation as one of the region’s leading beverage manufacturers, exporting to more than 100 countries worldwide. Our expertise covers both OEM and ODM services, helping partners create custom matcha tea products that resonate with their target markets.

Whether you want to launch a premium Japanese-inspired tea drink, a youthful matcha latte line, or a ready-to-drink matcha beverage in eco-friendly cans, Rita provides the complete solution—from formulation and production to packaging and export logistics.

FAQs:

1) What exactly gives matcha its vibrant green color?
Primarily chlorophyll produced under shade; shading also boosts L-theanine (umami) and reduces some bitter catechins.

2) What is “tencha,” and how is it different from sencha?
Tencha are steamed, dried unrolled leaves made specifically to be stone-milled into matcha; sencha is rolled for steeping, not grinding. 

3) Why do producers still use stone mills?
Granite stone-milling keeps friction/heat low, preserving aroma, color, and silk-fine texture—key to top-grade matcha. 

4) Does longer shading always mean better matcha?
Not always—but appropriate duration/method (e.g., honzu) generally intensifies color and umami; results depend on cultivar and harvest timing too. 

5) Why does matcha taste less bitter than many green teas?
Shade shifts leaf chemistry—more amino acids (umami), fewer catechins—so the cup is smoother and less bitter. 

6) Why is matcha popular in lattes and RTD drinks now?
It delivers a smooth, photogenic profile and steady energy; matcha lattes have surged via social platforms as a coffee alternative.