Kyoeiseicha Co., Ltd., operating under its flagship brand "Morihan," is a renowned Japanese tea manufacturer based in Uji, Kyoto—a region globally recognized as the birthplace and premier production area for authentic Japanese matcha. With over 180 years of heritage rooted in traditional tea cultivation and refinement, the company has emerged as a leader in premium matcha production for both domestic and international markets.
Brief History
Founded in 1836, Kyoeiseicha’s legacy in tea manufacturing spans nearly two centuries. The company has continuously evolved by integrating modern processing technologies with centuries-old Uji matcha traditions. The Morihan brand, which embodies the company’s consumer-facing product line, has become a trusted name in matcha across Japan and beyond.
Core Business
Kyoeiseicha specializes in the cultivation, processing, and sale of traditional Japanese teas, particularly Uji matcha. Their business model caters to both B2B and B2C channels. In the B2B domain, they supply raw and processed tea ingredients to food manufacturers, beverage companies, and restaurants. In the B2C segment, they retail packaged teas, matcha-based products, and sweets under the Morihan brand.
Product and Service Offerings
Kyoeiseicha offers a broad array of tea-related products, including:
- Matcha
- Ceremonial Grade Matcha for traditional tea ceremonies
- Culinary Grade Matcha for food processing and baking
- Roasted and Blended Teas
- Houjicha (roasted green tea) powder
- Genmaicha (brown rice green tea) powder
- Instant Teas
- Instant Uji Matcha beverages
- Tea Bags
- Green tea and blended teas in convenient bag form
- Confectionery
- Matcha sweets, cookies, and flavored snacks
Specialisation and Core USP
Kyoeiseicha’s core strength lies in its authentic Uji-sourced matcha and its vertical integration from leaf to powder. The company controls every step—from leaf cultivation and steaming, to grinding and packaging—ensuring unmatched quality and traceability.
- Uses stone-milling methods to preserve flavor and nutrients
- Holds ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certifications for food safety
- Sourced entirely from Uji and Kyoto-prefecture farms, known for the highest quality tencha (matcha leaf)
Financials
While the company is privately held and does not publicly disclose financial statements, it has demonstrated strong market penetration:
- Supplies to over 300 Japanese confectionery and beverage manufacturers
- Exports to more than 20 countries, including the USA, France, and Taiwan
- Estimated revenue (industry estimates): between ¥2 billion and ¥3.5 billion annually based on export volume and domestic sales
Shipment Data
Based on data from trade platforms like ImportYeti and TradeAtlas:
- Kyoeiseicha has made over 180 international shipments in the past 3 years
- Primary export markets include USA, Germany, France, and Taiwan
- Major products exported: matcha powder (culinary and ceremonial), instant tea blends
- High-frequency buyers include global food and beverage conglomerates and specialty tea importers
Target Market
- B2B: Confectionery and beverage manufacturers, matcha ingredient buyers, hotel and hospitality brands
- B2C: Health-conscious consumers, Japanese tea enthusiasts, culinary professionals
- Export Markets: North America, Europe, East Asia
Capabilities
- Stone-mill matcha processing facility with annual production capacity exceeding 200 tons
- Ability to produce custom matcha blends for OEM clients
- Offers private label manufacturing and bulk ingredient supply
- Operates advanced tea grading and aroma profiling technologies
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 22000 certified: Food Safety Management Systems
- FSSC 22000 certified: Recognized GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) scheme
- Full compliance with Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS)
- Selected products are Halal-certified to cater to Southeast Asian markets
Customer Testimonials
Several Japanese and international food manufacturers have publicly praised Morihan’s matcha for its deep umami flavor, vibrant green color, and consistent quality, making it a preferred ingredient for matcha lattes, ice cream, and baked goods. Feedback from major trade shows such as FOODEX Japan and SIAL Paris includes high marks for quality assurance and innovation.
Major Achievements
- Featured supplier in SIAL Innovation Paris 2022
- Participation in international trade shows including FOODEX Japan, Gulfood Dubai, and Fancy Food Show USA
- Listed as one of the top 5 matcha powder suppliers by multiple global ingredient sourcing platforms
- Extensive B2B collaborations including with Starbucks Japan and luxury confectionery brands
Kyoeiseicha Co., Ltd. continues to set global standards for premium Japanese tea, bridging ancient traditions and modern tastes through innovation, integrity, and unmatched product quality.