Matcha in short supply worldwide
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READING:
The popularity of matcha is skyrocketing. Supplies of the green tea powder are low. Most of the world's matcha is produced in Japan. Record high temperatures there have lowered harvests of the tea leaves. Increased demand and lower crop yields have resulted in record prices. A farmer from Kyoto told the Reuters news agency about his lower harvest. He was only able to harvest 1.5 tons of leaves this year, instead of his usual two tons. He added: "Last year's summer was so scorching that it damaged the bushes, so we couldn't pluck as many leaves."
Matcha has exploded in popularity. It was once a niche product. Now it is a trendy flavouring for drinks, desserts, and even skincare products. A tea association said Japan's tourism boom is making the green tea shortages worse. It said: "Many foreigners buy lots of matcha…as souvenirs, sometimes even in bulk." It added that the increased demand was in part fuelled by social media. The founder of the store Tealife said demand had grown ten-fold. He is always out of stock. "Matcha mania" has resulted in a scarcity that is also affecting Japan's traditional tea ceremonies.
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