OGURINOUEN CO., LTD., headquartered in Makinohara, Shizuoka Prefecture—Japan’s most renowned tea-growing region—is a distinguished tea producer and exporter with over a century of tradition. Founded in 1916, the company has earned its reputation through the meticulous cultivation, blending, and innovation of Japanese teas that honor both heritage and modern taste.
Core Business and Product Range
OGURINOUEN’s core business revolves around the manufacture and export of Japanese green teas and specialty blends, integrating traditional cultivation with creative flavor development. Their diversified product portfolio includes:
- Japanese Green Teas: Sencha, Fukamushi Sencha, Matcha, Genmaicha, Houjicha.
- Flavored Teas: Peach Green Tea, Sakura Green Tea, Caramel Houjicha, Yuzu Matcha—products that have gained significant traction in international tea markets.
- Organic Teas: Certified organic Matcha, Sencha, Houjicha, and Black Tea, crafted under eco-conscious farming standards.
- Low-Caffeine Options: Low-caffeine Sencha caters to wellness and health-conscious demographics.
- Specialty Teas: Japanese Pu-erh Tea, Black Oolong Tea, Roasted Apple Houjicha, and Muscat Rooibos Tea, showcasing the company's innovation in taste and aroma.
- Tea Accessories: Including tea utensils, incense burners, and themed gift sets, appealing to retail and gift markets.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
OGURINOUEN stands out through its 100% in-house tea cultivation and processing capabilities. Unlike many others in the industry, they maintain complete vertical integration from tea plantation to packaging, ensuring high quality, consistency, and traceability. Their teas are grown in the mineral-rich volcanic soil of Makinohara, giving them a distinctive depth and umami profile.
Their flavored green teas such as peach and sakura varieties are unique in their ability to merge traditional Japanese teas with Western flavor preferences, greatly enhancing their appeal in overseas markets.
Additionally, the “OGURI TEA FARM 1916” and “Wano Taste Series” brands reflect a legacy of premium craftsmanship, with product lines tailored for both retail and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) sectors globally.
Export Market and Reach
OGURINOUEN exports a wide range of products to North America, Europe, and Asia, targeting tea boutiques, health food chains, supermarkets, and specialty retailers. Their global presence is underscored by online distribution partnerships and participation in international trade shows.
While no direct export shipment volumes were available through public databases like ImportYeti or Volza, the company has achieved visible international placement through platforms such as Krista Online, promoting their flavored teas in English-speaking markets.
Financial Strength and Operations
Although financial disclosures are not publicly available, OGURINOUEN’s sustained operations for over a century, broad SKU range, and visible export activities indicate strong operational scale and financial stability. Their diverse product mix and private label capabilities also contribute to robust B2B relationships and repeat international orders.
Certifications and Quality Compliance
The company adheres to Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for organic cultivation and implements stringent food safety and hygiene protocols at its facilities. Their organic tea products comply with international certification requirements for export to the US, EU, and other regions.
Target Markets
OGURINOUEN targets:
- Gourmet tea retailers and distributors
- Organic and natural food chains
- Café chains and hospitality clients
- Gift and specialty product retailers
- Health-conscious consumers globally
Customer Testimonials and Brand Trust
The company’s branding and presentation emphasize authenticity and artisan quality. Though direct customer reviews are not publicly compiled, their product features on curated e-commerce platforms and YouTube channels (e.g., Company Introduction Video) support a reputation for excellence and transparency.
Achievements and Innovations
- Over 100 years of uninterrupted tea cultivation, making OGURINOUEN one of the legacy tea producers in Japan.
- Development of globally appealing flavored green teas, combining Japanese ingredients with Western palates.
- Introduction of the “Kawane Matcha”, a regional specialty with elevated umami and smoothness, aimed at the luxury culinary segment.
- Emphasis on sustainability through organic farming and recyclable packaging initiatives.