Matcha Trends for 2026
OUr Team appreciates you !
Dear Red's Zen Tea Family,
First and foremost, thank you for your continued support and for trusting me to bring you some of the finest ceremonial-grade organic matcha from Japan. Every tin is carefully selected with a commitment to quality, purity, and the experience in your cup.
Today, I want to share an important and transparent update with you.
An Upcoming Matcha Price Adjustment
Beginning August 15th, the price of our ceremonial-grade organic matcha will increase by approximately 25%.
This was not an easy decision. I’ve spent weeks exploring every possible option to keep the increase as fair and minimal as possible while maintaining the A-grade ceremonial quality you know and love. To be fully transparent, my wholesale costs have more than doubled, and I have absorbed as much of that increase as I could before making this adjustment.
Why Are Prices Increasing?
I recently received this message from our trusted Japanese wholesaler:
“As you may already know, the market price for tea from the 2026 harvest has skyrocketed. In particular, the price of tencha—the raw material used to make matcha—has risen sharply, leading to a significant increase in our wholesale prices.”
This reflects a broader industry shift.
Across Japan, the 2026 harvest has seen record-breaking auction prices, driven by unprecedented global demand for authentic matcha. Premium tencha from regions like Kyoto (Uji) and Kagoshima has reached historic highs, with many lots selling 60–80% above previous years. Key factors include:
🍃 Rapid global demand for ceremonial matcha
🍃 Limited production of premium tencha (shade-grown tea leaves)
🍃 Rising farming and production costs
🍃 A shortage of skilled tea growers and stone-milling facilities
🍃 Continued growth in worldwide appreciation for Japanese tea traditions
(Global Japanese Tea Association)
My Promise to You
Quality will always come before profit.
While I could switch to lower-grade matcha or cheaper alternatives, that is simply not who we are.
At Red's Zen Tea, every blend is crafted with extraordinary ceremonial-grade organic matcha because I believe you deserve nothing less. I would rather be transparent about rising costs than compromise the flavor, color, integrity, or benefits of what you drink.
Order Before August 15
If you’ve been considering stocking up, now is the best time.
Current pricing will remain in effect through August 14th, before the new harvest pricing takes effect.
Thank you for your understanding, your loyalty, and for supporting a business dedicated to sharing authentic Japanese tea traditions with your daily ritual.
I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
With gratitude,
Melissa “Red” Salazar
Certified Tea Master
Red's Zen Tea 🍃
"Extraordinary tea. Extraordinary ritual. Extraordinary health."
