Who is Kumiko Matcha?

Kumiko Matcha is a Japanese organic matcha brand sourcing single-cultivar teas from Uji and Kyushu. Founded in 2013, it offers Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary grades built around Saemidori, Yabukita, and Okumidori cultivars.

Its Uji partner Nakai-san pioneered organic matcha cultivation, while kabuse shading, hand harvesting, and 5°C refrigerated storage support leaf handling; products hold JAS and EU Organic certifications.

Products

Kumiko Matcha products

Kumiko Matcha has 1 product on the platform.
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Kumiko Matcha $66.9 / 100 g

Kumiko Matcha Classic Organic Culinary Matcha

Kumiko Matcha Classic Organic Culinary Matcha comes from Kyushu, Japan, with no bitterness for lattes, baking, smoothies, and savory recipes.

Reviews

Rated 4.94/5 by 105 reviews

Videos

Kumiko Matcha videos

Eternal beauty through authentic Japanese matcha since 2013

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Kumiko Matcha in details

Kumiko Matcha represents the convergence of Japanese tea mastery and French organic standards, bringing premium matcha from the renowned Uji and Kyushu regions directly to discerning tea enthusiasts. Founded in 2013 by Valentin, this brand has built its reputation on sourcing exceptional organic matcha that honors centuries-old cultivation methods while meeting modern wellness needs.

Authentic Origins, Uncompromising Quality

The matcha journey begins in Japan’s most celebrated tea-producing regions. Uji, nestled in Kyoto Prefecture, has been the birthplace of Japanese tea culture for centuries, where misty mornings and mineral-rich soil create ideal conditions for premium tea cultivation. Kumiko Matcha sources from organic farms in this legendary area, as well as from the volcanic soils of Kyushu, particularly Kagoshima, where nutrient-dense earth imparts unique character to the tea leaves.

Each harvest undergoes traditional stone-grinding using time-honored methods. The leaves are grown under shade, steamed without kneading, and carefully ground to preserve their vibrant green color and rich umami flavor. This meticulous process, combined with complete traceability and organic certification, ensures every tin contains matcha that respects both the plant and tradition.

From Farm to Cup: The Kumiko Difference

What sets Kumiko Matcha apart is its commitment to pure, additive-free matcha with transparent sourcing. Unlike many brands that blend lower-grade powders or add sugar, Kumiko offers 100% pure matcha in multiple grades to suit different preferences:

  • Ceremonial grade matcha from Uji delivers profound sweetness with minimal bitterness, perfect for traditional preparation
  • Premium organic options from Kagoshima provide excellent value while maintaining exceptional quality standards
  • Barista-grade varieties designed specifically for lattes, with aromatic intensity that holds up beautifully when mixed with milk

The brand’s educational approach helps customers understand matcha’s subtleties, from the umami-rich first sips to the gentle, sustained energy it provides without the nervousness associated with coffee.

A French Vision of Japanese Excellence

While rooted in Japanese tradition, Kumiko Matcha brings a distinctly European perspective to tea quality. The brand maintains rigorous standards, offering matcha certified organic by Ecocert according to European regulations, with partner plantations also certified in Japan. This dual certification approach reflects Valentin’s vision: making authentic, high-quality Japanese matcha accessible to Western markets without compromise.

The packaging is thoughtfully designed—simple yet elegant, with airtight containers that preserve the delicate aromas and vibrant color that define premium matcha. Fast delivery from France ensures customers receive their tea in optimal condition, with transparent information and no hidden costs.

About the Kumiko Matcha Matcha

Kumiko Matcha offers a curated range of premium organic matcha built around single-cultivar expression and three application grades.

Signature cultivars

  • Saemidori Bio shows pronounced umami and vibrant green color with exceptional smoothness, harvested in late April with high L-theanine.
  • Premium Bio uses the robust Yabukita cultivar for balanced vegetal notes and slight astringency at 32mg/g caffeine, ideal for daily drinking and lattes.
  • Okumidori Bio is a June late-harvest with delicate floral aromas, subtle sweetness, white-flower notes, and gentle bitterness.

Grades and use

The Ceremonial Grade is umami-rich and slightly sweet for tea ceremonies, the Premium Grade is balanced with slight bitterness for daily drinking and lattes, and the Culinary Grade carries an astringent, robust profile for baking and smoothies.

Harvest location

Kumiko Matcha sources its teas from Japan's renowned matcha regions, primarily Kyushu Island and the historic Uji region, the birthplace of matcha. The brand partners with Nakai-san, a pioneer of organic matcha cultivation in Uji.

Kabuse shading

The kabuse shading method covers tea plants with straw mats or synthetic fabrics for 20 to 30 days before harvest, cutting sunlight by about 90% to raise chlorophyll and L-theanine. Daily light measurements fine-tune conditions for each cultivar.

Hand-harvesting and storage

Kumiko harvests by hand during the prime spring season from late April to mid-May, using specialized scissors to take two to three first-flush leaves per stem while sparing adjacent buds. Picked leaves travel in bamboo baskets, then rest in refrigerated warehouses at a constant 5°C to preserve freshness.

Kumiko Matcha History

Kumiko Matcha (Japanese for "eternal beauty") was founded in 2013 by Valentin, whose personal health challenges led him to discover matcha and share it more widely.

Milestones

  • 2013 — Formed a lasting partnership with Nakai-san, a pioneer of organic matcha in the Uji region of Japan.
  • 2018 — Launched a matcha-based skincare line, extending the brand beyond tea.
  • 2023 — Achieved JAS and EU Organic certifications.
January 1, 2013

Kumiko Matcha Foundation

Valentin founded Kumiko Matcha after discovering the health benefits of matcha through his personal wellness journey. The brand name 'Kumiko,' meaning 'eternal beauty' in Japanese, reflects the company's philosophy of harmonizing inner and outer beauty through authentic Japanese tea culture.

January 1, 2013

Partnership with Nakai-san Established

Kumiko Matcha established a sustainable partnership with Nakai-san, a pioneer of organic matcha cultivation in the prestigious Uji region of Japan. This collaboration brought unique cultivation methods that contribute to the exceptional quality of Kumiko's premium organic matcha products.

January 1, 2018

Skincare Line Launch

Kumiko Matcha expanded its product portfolio by launching a comprehensive range of skincare products based on matcha. This innovative line combines the powerful antioxidant benefits of matcha with advanced technologies, extending the brand's wellness philosophy beyond traditional tea consumption.

January 1, 2023

Premium Organic Certifications Achieved

Kumiko Matcha obtained prestigious organic certifications including JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) certification number FR-BIO-10.250-0001819.2023.001 and EU Organic certification. These certifications validate the brand's commitment to sustainable agriculture, quality standards, and environmental responsibility in their tea production processes.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.

Where does Kumiko Matcha source its tea?

Kumiko Matcha sources organic tea from Japan’s Uji and Kyushu regions, including Kagoshima. Its range centers on the Saemidori, Yabukita, and Okumidori cultivars. The record also identifies Nakai-san, a pioneer of organic matcha cultivation in Uji, as a partner and describes the teas as traceable and organically certified.

What Kumiko Matcha grade should I choose for tea, lattes, or baking?

Choose Ceremonial Grade for an umami-rich, slightly sweet bowl prepared as tea. Premium Grade has balanced flavor and slight bitterness suited to everyday drinking or lattes. Culinary Grade provides the more robust, astringent profile intended for recipes such as baking and smoothies. The range therefore covers traditional preparation, milk drinks, and culinary applications.

How do Kumiko Matcha cultivars differ in flavor?

Saemidori Bio is described as smooth, strongly umami, and vibrantly green. Premium Bio uses Yabukita for balanced vegetal notes with slight astringency, making it suitable for daily tea and lattes. Okumidori Bio has delicate floral and white-flower notes, subtle sweetness, and gentle bitterness, giving each cultivar a distinct profile.

How is tea for Kumiko Matcha shaded and harvested?

Tea plants are covered through kabuse shading for 20 to 30 days before harvest, reducing sunlight by about 90%. Conditions are adjusted using daily light measurements. During the prime spring season, leaves are harvested by hand with specialized scissors, taking two to three first-flush leaves from each stem while leaving neighboring buds in place.

When was Kumiko Matcha founded, and what does its name mean?

Valentin founded Kumiko Matcha in 2013 after personal health challenges led him to discover matcha and share it more widely. The name Kumiko is identified as Japanese for “eternal beauty.” The brand formed a partnership with Uji organic matcha pioneer Nakai-san in 2013, later launched skincare, and achieved JAS and EU Organic certifications.