Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Half Moon Bay Wasabi, LLC is a pioneering specialty farm located in Half Moon Bay, California, and is recognized as one of the only commercial growers of authentic wasabi in the United States. Dedicated to cultivating high-quality, fresh wasabi using sustainable farming techniques, the company supplies chefs, restaurants, and culinary enthusiasts nationwide with genuine wasabi rhizomes, leaves, and plant starts.

Core Business

Half Moon Bay Wasabi’s core business is the cultivation and direct-to-consumer and wholesale distribution of fresh wasabi (Wasabia japonica)—an exceptionally rare and high-value crop known for its delicate heat and complex flavor. Unlike most commercially available “wasabi,” which is typically a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and green coloring, Half Moon Bay Wasabi provides 100% authentic, farm-grown wasabi, harvested and shipped fresh from California’s coast.

Product and Service Offerings

• Fresh Wasabi Rhizomes

  • Available in ¼ lb, ½ lb, and 1 lb portions.
  • Harvested to order and shipped in cold packs to ensure freshness and peak flavor.
  • Preferred by high-end sushi restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs for its nuanced aroma and taste.

• Fresh Wasabi Leaves with Stems

  • Also sold in ¼ lb, ½ lb, and 1 lb formats.
  • Used in salads, pickling, or as garnish in fine dining applications.

• Wasabi Plant Starts

  • Sold in packs of three for home growers or small farms.
  • Ideal for controlled environments, greenhouses, or shaded hydroponic systems.

Specialization and USP

Half Moon Bay Wasabi is one of only a handful of farms in North America capable of cultivating wasabi at scale. The company's proprietary hydroponic and shade-grown techniques, coupled with the cool coastal climate of Half Moon Bay, create ideal conditions that mimic the native Japanese environment where wasabi naturally thrives.

Unique selling propositions include:

• Authentic wasabi, not imitation.
• Sustainable, pesticide-free farming methods.
• Direct-to-chef and direct-to-home shipping, guaranteeing freshness within 48 hours of harvest.
• Year-round availability due to controlled cultivation cycles.

Financials

Although financials are not publicly disclosed, Half Moon Bay Wasabi operates in a premium niche market with wasabi rhizomes often retailing for $100–$150 per pound. The company has built strong traction within:

• The fine dining sector.
• Gourmet food retailers.
• Culinary schools and food enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese ingredients.

Its revenue model is based on high-margin specialty crop sales, with repeat orders from restaurant clients and home-growers across the U.S.

Deployment & Reach

• Ships across the continental United States via insulated and cooled packaging.
• Supplies renowned chefs and restaurants in culinary hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
• Online orders via their website support direct-to-consumer sales for culinary hobbyists and small-scale growers.

Target Market

• Michelin-starred and fine dining chefs.
• Japanese and pan-Asian restaurants.
• Gourmet grocery and specialty food retailers.
• Home gardeners and culinary experimenters.
• Wholesale food distributors.

Capabilities

• Sustainable Farming Techniques – Shaded beds, hydroponic systems, and clean water sources replicate optimal growing conditions.
• Small-Batch Harvesting – Ensures peak flavor and texture of rhizomes and leaves.
• Cold Chain Logistics – Fresh product shipped immediately after harvest with temperature control.
• Educational Outreach – Through videos and tutorials, helps chefs and growers understand best uses and care of wasabi.

Certifications & Compliance

• California Department of Food & Agriculture Registration
• Adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Pesticide-Free Cultivation
• Sustainable Water Use Practices

Customer Testimonials

“The best wasabi I’ve ever used—miles ahead of the imitation paste. Our guests can taste the difference.” – Executive Chef, San Francisco Fine Dining Restaurant
“Fast shipping, beautifully packed, and the flavor was extraordinary. This is real wasabi!” – Culinary Enthusiast, Los Angeles

Major Achievements

• One of the first successful commercial wasabi farms in the U.S.
• Featured in regional press and food documentaries for pioneering work in authentic wasabi cultivation.
• Partnered with high-profile chefs and culinary schools for exclusive supply.
• Expanded product line to include plant starts, enabling growers to replicate their success at home or in controlled environments.

Half Moon Bay Wasabi continues to lead the U.S. market in authentic wasabi production, offering an unmatched farm-to-table experience that celebrates purity, craftsmanship, and the bold elegance of one of the world’s rarest crops.