Matcha Harvest Timing & Supply Update

It’s an exciting (and at times frustrating) moment for matcha lovers. Demand for this tea continues to soar, and we’re so grateful for your enthusiasm and patience as the situation evolves.

We know many of you are wondering if the new harvest will alleviate the current matcha shortage. The short answer is not immediately. Below, we're sharing the latest update on harvest timing and supply to clarify the situation as best as possible.

When is the Matcha Harvest?

At Ippodo, all of the tencha leaves sourced for our matcha blends are harvested during the season that falls between late spring and early summer. This season is when the leaves are most spry, flavorful, and vibrant.

When Will the 2025 Harvest Be Available?

There’s no specific “release date” for the new harvest, and here's why:

• Resting Period: Right after harvest, the tencha leaves have a vibrant, energetic character. To achieve the traditional complexity and depth we cherish in matcha, we rest the tencha for an extended period after harvest.
• Blending Over Time: As a tea company that’s been around for over 300 years, we aim for consistency in our blends as best we can. So, instead of releasing each year’s harvests all at once, we choose to add them to the regular blends over time. This approach allows us to aim for a similar character for each regular blend, while sourcing from many different farms and different years.

What’s the Current Supply Status?

Over the past year, demand for matcha has grown beyond all expectations. Though we are regularly restocking them, matcha varieties continue to sell out shortly after they arrive in stock.

Will Supply Improve After the 2025 Harvest?

Unfortunately, supply constraints are likely to continue. That’s because:

• Our matcha is made from high quality tencha produced by a limited number of farmers and farms.
• While efforts are underway to establish new farms for tencha, it takes over five years before the tea plants can be harvested.
• It is a slow, labor-intensive process to produce quality matcha, and there are a limited number of production facilities.

What Is Ippodo Doing?

Even with the ongoing constraints, we are working hard to maintain quality and consistency in each of our teas.

To get our matchas to as many customers as possible, we’ve temporarily limited both the varieties and quantities available. (Specifically, limiting the varieties allows us to focus on producing as much as we can of our core lineup. Limiting the quantities per person allows as many people to enjoy our matchas as possible.)

Current Purchase Limits:

• Some blends—Kanza, Kuon, Seiun/Shoin, and Hatsu—will be temporarily unavailable.
• Matcha purchases will be limited to:
  • 110g / day
  • 400g / month

We know it’s an uncertain time for matcha, and we truly appreciate your understanding and patience. We will keep doing everything we can to preserve the quality you trust while making our teas available to as many people as possible. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and passion for matcha.