Culture & Story

Fresh first harvest tea leaves growing in a Japanese tea field during the spring harvest.

Why Is Japanese Matcha Becoming More Expensive?

The Story Behind Japan's Growing Demand for First Harvest Matcha Have you noticed that matcha is everywhere in New Zealand?Just a few years ago, finding a matcha latte wasn't always...

Why Is Japanese Matcha Becoming More Expensive?

The Story Behind Japan's Growing Demand for First Harvest Matcha Have you noticed that matcha is everywhere in New Zealand?Just a few years ago, finding a matcha latte wasn't always...

Traditional bowl of Japanese matcha representing its historical connection to health, wellbeing, and tea culture.

Matcha Benefits: Was Matcha Once Medicine? The ...

What if your morning matcha was originally intended not as a drink, but as medicine? Most people know matcha as a vibrant green superfood, a café favourite, or an ingredient...

Matcha Benefits: Was Matcha Once Medicine? The ...

What if your morning matcha was originally intended not as a drink, but as medicine? Most people know matcha as a vibrant green superfood, a café favourite, or an ingredient...

Handmade Chocolate and Fig Yokan served with organic matcha at Kohi-Ya in Auckland, inspired by traditional Japanese tea culture.

Matcha and Yokan: Discovering Traditional Japan...

When most people think of matcha, they picture a creamy matcha latte or a vibrant green dessert.In New Zealand, matcha has become increasingly popular in cafés, kitchens, and wellness routines....

Matcha and Yokan: Discovering Traditional Japan...

When most people think of matcha, they picture a creamy matcha latte or a vibrant green dessert.In New Zealand, matcha has become increasingly popular in cafés, kitchens, and wellness routines....

cups of matcha served with Ginger Nut biscuits and Whittaker's White Chocolate.

Why Do You Eat Sweets Before Matcha? Ginger Nut...

Why Do Japanese Eat Something Sweet Before Matcha? Kiwi-Friendly Pairings to Try As matcha becomes increasingly popular in New Zealand, you may have wondered: What sweets go well with matcha?...

Why Do You Eat Sweets Before Matcha? Ginger Nut...

Why Do Japanese Eat Something Sweet Before Matcha? Kiwi-Friendly Pairings to Try As matcha becomes increasingly popular in New Zealand, you may have wondered: What sweets go well with matcha?...

A modern matcha latte representing how Japanese matcha evolved into a global trend.

How Matcha Left Japan and Came Back Different

For centuries, matcha was closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony.It was prepared with care, served in silence, and appreciated as much for the experience as for the taste. Today,...

How Matcha Left Japan and Came Back Different

For centuries, matcha was closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony.It was prepared with care, served in silence, and appreciated as much for the experience as for the taste. Today,...

Japanese matcha gift set wrapped in furoshiki, wellness-inspired gift for New Zealand customers

Heartwarming Matcha Gifts in New Zealand: More ...

Why Matcha Gifts Are Trending in New Zealand “Are your gifts for loved ones starting to feel repetitive?”Chocolate, wine, or flowers are lovely—but this year, why not gift a unique...

Heartwarming Matcha Gifts in New Zealand: More ...

Why Matcha Gifts Are Trending in New Zealand “Are your gifts for loved ones starting to feel repetitive?”Chocolate, wine, or flowers are lovely—but this year, why not gift a unique...