Founded in 1836 in Uji, Kyoto — the heartland of traditional Japanese tea — Morihan (Kyoeiseicha Co., Ltd.) has built an enduring legacy as a premium manufacturer and exporter of matcha and Japanese green tea products. With over 185 years of heritage, Morihan is one of the oldest tea producers in Japan, combining centuries-old artisanal practices with modern production standards to deliver unmatched quality and consistency to global customers.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Morihan's core business revolves around the production, processing, and export of Uji matcha, alongside a broad spectrum of traditional and contemporary Japanese tea products. The company specializes in both ceremonial and culinary-grade matcha and also crafts innovative consumer products such as:
- Matcha Powder:
- Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Organic Uji Matcha
- Sweetened Matcha Powder
- Instant Tea Mixes:
- Matcha Latte Mix
- Hojicha Latte Mix
- Chai Tea Mix
- Confectionery:
- Matcha Pudding Mix
- Matcha Cookies
- Matcha Castella Cake
All products are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities that comply with global food safety and hygiene regulations, ensuring consistency and scalability for international distribution.
Specialization and USP
Morihan is globally recognized for its Uji-sourced matcha, cultivated in the fertile, misty terroirs of Kyoto’s Uji region. The company's unique competitive edge lies in its vertically integrated supply chain — from local tea farms to in-house processing and packaging — allowing it to maintain full quality control and traceability. Additionally, Morihan is committed to preserving traditional Japanese tea-making techniques, while embracing modern innovation through instant blends and value-added formats tailored for global markets.
Their matcha is characterized by:
- Vibrant green color
- High umami flavor
- Low bitterness
- Finely milled texture using traditional stone mills
Financials and Global Footprint
While private financial disclosures are limited, Morihan has maintained robust growth in overseas markets, especially across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, driven by the rising global demand for matcha-based health beverages and premium Japanese tea.
According to data from ImportYeti and Volza, Morihan (Kyoeiseicha Co., Ltd.) has completed:
- Over 120 international shipments in the past 24 months
- Major exports to the United States, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and Australia
- Export values ranging from $500,000 to $2 million annually
This solid export track record reinforces Morihan's credibility as a consistent and capable global supplier.
Target Market
Morihan targets a diverse international customer base, including:
- Retailers of gourmet and health food products
- Tea houses and specialty cafés
- Foodservice distributors
- Private label brands in organic and natural products
- B2B manufacturers seeking premium matcha for integration in beverages, desserts, and supplements
Domestically, Morihan has a loyal following among Japanese consumers for both daily use and ceremonial matcha.
Capabilities and Manufacturing Excellence
Morihan’s production facilities in Kyoto are equipped with:
- Traditional granite stone mills
- Advanced vacuum and nitrogen packaging units
- Automated blending and powder handling lines
- Cleanroom conditions for food-grade safety
The company’s annual production capacity exceeds 100 metric tons of matcha and powdered teas, ensuring supply reliability for large-volume buyers.
Certifications and Compliance
Morihan has received several domestic and international certifications to affirm its commitment to quality and safety:
- JAS Organic Certification (Japan Agricultural Standard)
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems
- FSSC 22000 Global Food Safety Initiative recognition
- Halal Certification for key product lines
These certifications enable the brand to cater to specialized markets with strict regulatory requirements.
Recognitions and Testimonials
Morihan’s matcha has been consistently featured in international tea expos and culinary showcases. Renowned chefs and tea masters endorse Morihan’s matcha for its purity and depth of flavor.
One verified customer testimonial from a European buyer states:
"We’ve sourced ceremonial matcha from several Japanese companies, but Morihan’s consistency, flavor profile, and attention to packaging quality remain unmatched."
Another customer from the U.S. commented:
"Their team is professional, responsive, and deeply passionate about tea. We’ve worked with Morihan for over three years and never faced a quality issue."
Major Achievements
- Recognized as a top 10 traditional tea companies by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce.
- Featured on NHK Japan for preserving traditional matcha production.
- Successful partnerships with premium hotels and high-end cafés across Asia and Europe.
With a blend of centuries-old tea heritage and modern-day business excellence, Morihan continues to build its position as one of the most trusted names in authentic Japanese matcha — delivering not just products, but an experience steeped in culture, quality, and craftsmanship.