Founded in the early 1700s, Marukyu Koyamaen Co., Ltd. is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected producers of premium Japanese green tea. Based in Uji, Kyoto—the historical heartland of matcha and green tea culture—Marukyu Koyamaen has been devoted to tea cultivation and refinement for over 300 years. With its heritage deeply rooted in tea ceremony traditions, the company is now a global benchmark for quality and authenticity in matcha production.
Core Business
Marukyu Koyamaen specializes in the cultivation, blending, processing, and distribution of high-grade Japanese green tea. The company is particularly renowned for its ceremonial-grade matcha, which is used in both formal tea ceremonies and high-end culinary applications. Its green tea portfolio spans Gyokuro, Sencha, Kabusecha, Karigane, Hojicha, Genmaicha, and innovative tea-based confectioneries.
Product and Service Offerings
Marukyu Koyamaen offers a meticulously categorized and award-winning tea selection:
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Ceremonial and Premium Matcha
- Unkaku (top grade ceremonial)
- Aoarashi
- Chigi no Shiro
- Kiyo Midori
- Soju, Oju, Haru Midori
- Byakuren, Wakatake
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Loose Leaf Green Teas
- Gyokuro (shade-grown, umami-rich)
- Kabusecha (semi-shade-grown)
- Sencha (classic steamed green tea)
- Karigane (stem-based Kukicha)
- Hojicha (roasted tea)
- Genmaicha (with roasted rice)
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Teabags and Potbags
- Designed for convenience without compromising flavor
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Matcha Confectionery and Desserts
- Matcha Ice Cream
- Matcha Roll Cake
- Matcha Baum Kuchen
- Matcha Zenzai
All products are available for both retail and bulk export, and custom blending services are also offered to OEM clients.
Specialization and Core USP
Marukyu Koyamaen’s primary differentiator is its vertical integration—from leaf cultivation to stone-milling of matcha powder—ensuring traceability, consistency, and purity.
The firm uses granite mills to grind matcha, preserving the aroma and preventing heat-induced degradation. It combines ancestral techniques with modern food safety systems to maintain artisanal quality at scale.
Its flagship matcha products routinely win top awards in national tea evaluations, including the prestigious Japan Tea Award.
Financials
As a privately held entity, Marukyu Koyamaen does not disclose public financial reports. However, based on Japanese market intelligence and trade estimates:
- Estimated annual revenue: ¥3.5 to ¥4.2 billion JPY (approx. $25–30 million USD)
- Over 35% of total revenue generated from international exports and OEM agreements
International Shipments and Export Records
Based on data from platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza:
- Over 2,500 documented international shipments from 2018 to 2024
- Primary export regions: United States, Germany, France, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia
- Clients include: Michelin-star restaurants, luxury matcha cafes, organic retailers, and cosmetic ingredient suppliers
- Popular SKUs in export: Unkaku, Aoarashi, and food-grade culinary matcha
The company’s supply chain supports cold chain logistics, bulk packaging, and international labeling compliance.
Target Market
- Professional tea ceremony schools (Urasenke, Omotesenke)
- High-end hospitality sector (tea rooms, fine dining)
- Gourmet retailers and organic markets
- Food and beverage manufacturers (ice cream, chocolate, beverages)
- Cosmetic and nutraceutical brands (matcha as functional ingredient)
Capabilities
- In-house cultivation and processing in Uji and adjacent areas
- Granite stone mill production capacity: approx. 30kg/day per unit
- Quality assurance through in-house sensory and chemical testing
- Custom blending, private labeling, and educational content for partners
Certifications and Compliance
- FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 certified for food safety
- Products tested for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and radiation safety
- Registered exporter to the EU, US (FDA-compliant), Canada, and Australia
- Organic certification available on selected SKUs
Customer Testimonials
"As a culinary professional, Marukyu Koyamaen’s matcha stands out for its depth, aroma, and vibrant color. It consistently outperforms competitors in our tastings."
— Head Pastry Chef, Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Paris
"We’ve sourced from Marukyu Koyamaen for five years, and their commitment to quality and transparency is unmatched in the tea industry."
— Organic Grocery Chain Buyer, California
Major Achievements
- Winner of Japan National Tea Competition in multiple categories
- Supplier for imperial and diplomatic tea ceremonies
- Featured in NHK, Nikkei, and National Geographic for heritage craft
- Partner in sustainability tea farming projects in Kyoto Prefecture
- Developed matcha used in functional foods and supplements
Marukyu Koyamaen continues to represent the pinnacle of Japanese tea tradition, merging centuries-old wisdom with contemporary standards and global reach.