Jade Leaf Matcha

From Historic Japanese Tea Farms to American Markets

Jade Leaf Matcha represents the culmination of over 160 years of Japanese tea cultivation expertise. The brand emerged from the Kizuna Tea Collective, a thriving network of family-run tea farms across Japan’s premiere growing regions that have been cultivating high-quality matcha and supplying Japan’s domestic market since 1858.

Headquartered in Kyoto, the historic heart of Japanese tea culture, the Kizuna Tea Collective made a pivotal decision in 2014 to venture beyond Japan’s borders. They opened their first outpost in the United States, launching the Jade Leaf brand with a clear mission: to democratize access to high-quality, organic matcha at fair prices.

The Challenge of International Expansion

The transition from serving Japan’s domestic market to entering the competitive U.S. matcha landscape presented considerable challenges. The collective had to navigate complex international trade regulations, build trust with American consumers unfamiliar with authentic Japanese matcha, and maintain product integrity across continents. What set them apart was their unwavering commitment to transparency and direct farmer relationships.

Terroir and Traditional Cultivation

Jade Leaf sources its matcha from two of Japan’s most revered tea-growing regions: Uji and Kagoshima. Uji, recognized as the birthplace of Japanese tea culture, provides the perfect combination of fertile soil, misty climate, and centuries of accumulated tea cultivation expertise. Here, the collective cultivates premium varieties including Okumidori, celebrated for its vibrant green hue and delicate sweetness, and Samidori, prized for its rich umami characteristics.

The volcanic soils of Kagoshima, with their warm climate conditions, produce robust and flavorful matcha from cultivars like Yabukita, offering a balanced profile of sweetness and astringency, and Kanayamidori, known for its bright aroma and smooth texture.

Quality Standards and Sustainability

The brand distinguishes itself through rigorous quality control measures, conducting comprehensive testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and radiation through independent third-party laboratories. Their commitment extends beyond product quality to environmental responsibility, utilizing eco-friendly packaging with recyclable materials and supporting sustainable farming practices among their partner farms.