Hey matcha lovers!
We wanted to share a few behind-the-scenes updates from our small but mighty team here at Sencha Naturals.
As you may know, this year has brought unique challenges in sourcing. With global interest in matcha at an all-time high, and global harvest yields down about 30%, the Japanese tea industry continues to experience rising costs and industry-wide shortages.
We’ve been working closely with our partner farms in Japan to navigate these challenges and continue providing our same vibrant, great-tasting matcha, without compromising our standards for quality and sustainability. And after much collaboration, we believe we’ve found a smooth path forward.
Our most recent batches of Emperor’s Matcha and Everyday Matcha are no longer Certified Organic, though they remain Non-GMO Certified. Japan's tea industry operates under exceptionally strict agricultural regulations, including laws governing pesticide use and other farming practices. Adding Western organic certification on top of these rules has made it even harder for farmers to adapt during difficult harvests, particularly in the delicate shade-growing stage of cultivation.
Knowing the rigorous standards and traditional farming expertise in Japan, we know exceptional quality matcha can still be produced outside of organic certification. This change allows us to uphold our commitment to high-quality matcha while giving our long-time partner farms the flexibility they need to care for their crops the way they know best.
This isn’t to say goodbye to Organic forever— we know organic matcha cultivation has its own audience and benefits. Through it all, our focus stays the same: creating matcha that’s good for you, our communi-tea, and the planet.
We’re so grateful for your continued support as we grow and adjust. It truly means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead. 💚
P.S. You can learn more about our farming practices and commitment to quali-tea here.
