Vivid Matcha
Vivid Matcha presentation
Vivid Matcha brings the ancient power of ceremonial-grade matcha to modern wellness seekers. Founded by James Shillcock in 2013, the brand emerged from a simple discovery: blending premium matcha with fresh lime, ginger, and honey created a naturally energizing drink that supports mental clarity and sustained focus. What started as an experiment at an independent tea company has grown into a distinctive voice in the organic matcha market.
From Tea Blending to Market Success
The brand’s journey began when Shillcock, working for We Are Tea, received matcha samples and recognized their potential beyond traditional preparation. His vision was clear: make matcha accessible through ready-to-drink formats without compromising quality. Vivid Matcha launched in summer 2013 with immediate traction, securing listings with Whole Foods and Planet Organic before expanding to Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, and eventually Waitrose.
Within its first year, Whole Foods declared it the most successful tea-based drink in their stores. This rapid growth reflected consumer demand for all-natural energy alternatives that deliver both taste and functional benefits.
Sourcing Quality from Kagoshima
Vivid Matcha sources certified organic matcha green tea from fields in the Kagoshima region of Kyushu, Japan. This volcanic soil region produces matcha rich in L-theanine, the amino acid responsible for calm alertness. The brand’s commitment to organic certification means no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients—just pure matcha combined with natural flavor profiles.
The product line features three distinct flavors: lime, ginger & honey; grape & elderflower; and pear & rhubarb. Each blend maintains the matcha’s nutritional integrity while offering approachable taste experiences for both matcha newcomers and enthusiasts.
The Matcha Difference
What sets Vivid Matcha apart is its focus on matcha as a functional ingredient rather than a trend. The combination of natural caffeine and L-theanine provides sustained energy without the crash associated with coffee or energy drinks. Shillcock positioned the brand around a core message: matcha represents the world’s most powerful green tea, delivering concentration and wellbeing benefits in every serving.
The brand’s UK production ensures quality control while supporting local manufacturing. Distribution spans organized retailers, independent grocers, and online platforms including Amazon, making premium matcha accessible across multiple channels. For those exploring the matcha marketplace, Vivid Matcha represents an established option that balances authenticity with innovation, bringing Japanese tea tradition into contemporary wellness lifestyles.
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Matcha produced by Vivid Matcha
Product Range and Quality
Vivid Matcha offers organic, ceremonial-grade matcha available in multiple convenient formats including tea bags, powders, and ready-to-drink options. The brand positions itself as a quality matcha provider, focusing on mental clarity and wellbeing benefits.
Distribution and Availability
Vivid Matcha products are widely available through major retail platforms including Amazon, Holland & Barrett, Tesco, and Alibaba. This extensive distribution network makes their matcha products accessible to consumers across the UK and beyond.
Traditional Matcha Production Methods
The matcha creation process follows traditional Japanese methods, beginning with the critical oishita saibai (shade-growing cultivation) technique. Tea plants are shielded from direct sunlight for weeks before harvest, which significantly boosts chlorophyll and L-theanine levels, creating the characteristic vibrant green color and distinctive umami flavor profile.
Harvesting Excellence
The finest matcha comes from ichibancha (first flush leaves), harvested in early May. These tender young leaves are carefully hand-picked by skilled workers who select only the highest quality leaves while avoiding any damage that could compromise the delicate flavor and bright color of the final product.
Processing and Stone Grinding
After harvesting, leaves undergo steaming and drying to become tencha. The subsequent destemming and deveining process is labor-intensive, followed by the crucial stone-grinding phase using granite mills. This grinding occurs in temperature-controlled environments at precisely 10 degrees Celsius to prevent overheating and preserve delicate flavors and aromas.
The stone grinding process operates at exactly 48 revolutions per minute, producing only 30 grams of powder per hour per stone grinder. This slow, controlled speed protects the matcha’s delicate properties from heat degradation, ensuring optimal quality retention. Learn more about traditional stone grinding methods.
History of Vivid Matcha
Vivid Matcha emerged in 2013 when founder James Shillcock established the company with a clear mission: to promote mental clarity and wellbeing through high-quality matcha products. Shillcock’s journey into the world of matcha began during his travels across Asia, where he first discovered the traditional Japanese tea that would become the cornerstone of his business venture.
Following his Asian travels, Shillcock gained valuable industry experience working for a tea business in the United Kingdom, deepening his understanding of tea production and market dynamics. This combination of personal discovery and professional expertise laid the foundation for what would become Vivid Matcha’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
The company distinguishes itself in the competitive matcha market by focusing on organic, ceremonial-grade matcha, signaling a dedication to superior quality standards. Understanding the traditional production methods that create exceptional matcha, Vivid recognizes the importance of the ancient oishita saibai (shade-growing) technique, where tea plants are shielded from direct sunlight for weeks before harvest to boost chlorophyll and L-theanine levels.
Vivid Matcha’s product range reflects modern consumer preferences while honoring traditional quality standards. The company offers matcha in multiple formats including tea bags, powders, and ready-to-drink options, making the ancient tea accessible to contemporary lifestyles. This diverse product line has enabled Vivid to establish a strong retail presence across the UK.
The brand’s commitment to quality aligns with traditional matcha production principles, where the finest matcha comes from ichibancha (first flush leaves) harvested in early May. These tender leaves undergo meticulous processing, including steaming, drying, and the crucial stone-grinding process that transforms tencha into the fine powder consumers recognize as matcha.
3 events from Vivid Matcha's history
January 2013
Vivid Matcha Founded
James Shillcock established Vivid Matcha with the mission to promote mental clarity and wellbeing through high-quality matcha products, drawing from his experiences discovering matcha during travels across Asia and his subsequent work in the UK tea industry.
June 2013
Product Line Development
Vivid Matcha developed its diverse product range featuring organic, ceremonial-grade matcha available in tea bags, powders, and ready-to-drink formats, making traditional Japanese matcha accessible to modern UK consumers while maintaining quality standards.
January 2014
UK Retail Expansion
Vivid Matcha successfully expanded its distribution network across leading UK retailers including Tesco, Holland & Barrett, and Amazon, establishing a strong market presence and making their organic matcha products widely accessible to British consumers.
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Frequent questions
Find below some answers to the most common questions about Vivid Matcha.
What makes Vivid Matcha's ceremonial-grade different from their ready-to-drink options?
Vivid Matcha’s ceremonial-grade powder represents their highest quality offering, designed for traditional whisking and preparation. This organic matcha maintains the full complexity of flavors and requires proper chasen (bamboo whisk) technique for optimal results.
Their ready-to-drink options provide convenience for busy lifestyles while still delivering matcha benefits. These beverages are pre-prepared using Vivid Matcha’s formulations, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption without sacrificing the brand’s commitment to organic quality.
Can I find Vivid Matcha tea bags on Holland & Barrett, or are they exclusive to Amazon?
Vivid Matcha tea bags are available on both Holland & Barrett and Amazon, giving customers flexibility in where they shop. Holland & Barrett often stocks them in their wellness tea section, while Amazon typically offers broader selection including bulk purchasing options.
For the most current availability and pricing, check both platforms as inventory can vary by location and season.
How does Vivid Drinks ensure the organic certification for their Vivid Matcha products?
Vivid Drinks maintains organic certification for their Vivid Matcha line through rigorous sourcing standards and quality control processes. Their matcha undergoes the traditional oishita saibai (shade-growing) method, which naturally enhances chlorophyll and L-theanine levels without synthetic additives.
- Sourcing from certified organic tea farms
- Regular third-party testing for purity
- Adherence to organic processing standards throughout production
- Transparent supply chain documentation
This commitment ensures that whether you choose their powder, tea bags, or ready-to-drink formats, you’re getting genuinely organic matcha.
Why does Vivid Matcha emphasize the 'vivid' aspect in their branding?
The ‘vivid’ in Vivid Matcha directly references the intense, vibrant green color that characterizes high-quality matcha. This color results from the oishita saibai shading process, where tea plants are covered for weeks before harvest to boost chlorophyll production.
Vivid Matcha’s emphasis on this aspect signals their commitment to proper traditional processing methods that preserve and enhance the natural green pigmentation. The more vivid the color, the higher the chlorophyll content and the more pronounced the matcha’s beneficial properties and umami flavor profile.
Is Vivid Matcha's powder suitable for both ceremonial drinking and culinary applications?
Yes, Vivid Matcha’s organic ceremonial-grade powder works excellently for both traditional tea ceremony preparation and culinary creations. The high quality ensures it maintains its vibrant color and complex flavor whether whisked into tea or incorporated into recipes.
For ceremonial use, the powder dissolves smoothly and provides the full umami experience. For culinary applications, it adds authentic matcha flavor to lattes, desserts, and baked goods while maintaining its distinctive green color that makes presentations visually striking.
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