Sugimoto Tea Company is a family-owned, vertically integrated Japanese tea producer and distributor headquartered in Redmond, Washington, with deep roots in Shizuoka, Japan—the heartland of Japanese tea cultivation. Founded in 1946 in Japan and formally established in the U.S. in 2005, the company is now led by third-generation tea master Kyohei Sugimoto. Sugimoto Tea Company is dedicated to introducing authentic Japanese green tea to global markets while preserving the artisanal practices and cultural heritage of traditional tea-making.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Sugimoto Tea Company offers a meticulously curated portfolio of premium Japanese teas, developed with a deep respect for tradition and sustainability:
Loose Leaf Teas:
Enrich Sencha: Full-bodied, steamed green tea with umami depth
Homare Sencha: Reserve-grade sencha with a smooth, grassy flavor
Genmaicha, Kukicha, and Hojicha: Popular regional blends with roasted and toasted flavor notes
Tea Bags:
Organic Hojicha Tea Bags
Enrich Sencha Tea Bags
Kukicha Tea Bags
Powdered Teas:
Ceremonial Matcha
Hojicha Powder for lattes and culinary use
Sampler Sets:
Japanese Green Tea Basics
Matcha Sampler
Sencha Discovery Set
Teaware:
Gold Leaf Kyusu (teapot)
Kumidashi Yunomi (cups)
Shirotake Chasen and Chashaku (traditional matcha tools)
All teas are shade-grown, handpicked, and processed in Sugimoto’s ISO 22000-certified facility in Shizuoka, before being exported to the U.S. for packaging and distribution.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Sugimoto’s value lies in its seamless integration of traditional Japanese farming with modern food safety standards:
Direct-from-farm sourcing: Full control over tea quality from field to cup
Uji-style steaming methods to lock in flavor and freshness
Nitrogen-flushed packaging to ensure maximum shelf life and oxidation resistance
Certified organic product lines with USDA Organic and JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) certifications
Educational outreach through detailed brewing guides, cultural content, and training sessions
Sugimoto is one of the few Japanese tea companies offering authentic artisan-grade products at both consumer and wholesale levels in the U.S. market.
Financial and Market Performance
Though private, Sugimoto Tea Company has shown sustained and scalable growth in both direct-to-consumer and wholesale segments:
Supplies over 1,000 retailers, cafes, and restaurants across North America
Experienced 50% YoY growth in online sales between 2020 and 2022, largely driven by matcha and sencha demand
Sells in Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, and Natural Grocers chains
Global expansion into Canada, the U.K., and Southeast Asia via e-commerce and partnerships
Operates both B2C and B2B platforms, with specialized services for foodservice and bulk buyers
The brand has grown steadily due to the rising popularity of functional beverages and Japanese wellness trends.
Distribution and Operational Reach
Sugimoto Tea Company maintains a dual-operational infrastructure:
Production and sourcing in Shizuoka, Japan—home to the company’s multi-generational farming network and processing facility
North American headquarters in Redmond, Washington—handling packaging, fulfillment, warehousing, and client relations
Cold-chain logistics and warehouse management to protect tea freshness and prevent oxidation
Products are shipped both domestically and internationally, with third-party logistics support for DTC and wholesale orders.
Target Market
Sugimoto serves a diverse set of consumer and commercial clients:
Health-conscious consumers and tea connoisseurs
Natural and organic grocery retailers
Coffee and tea shops, including independent cafes and Japanese-themed establishments
Hospitality and wellness brands, such as spas and retreat centers
Chefs and culinary buyers sourcing matcha and hojicha powders for recipe development
Marketing efforts are focused on health, heritage, and flavor storytelling to educate new audiences and retain seasoned drinkers.
Capabilities
In-house R&D for new tea blends, powders, and brewing methods
Custom bulk packaging and private label options for wholesale buyers
ISO 22000 certified manufacturing for global food safety compliance
USDA Organic, JAS Organic, and Non-GMO certifications
E-commerce infrastructure with multilingual website, digital catalogs, and global shipping
The company also conducts tea master training and education for wholesale partners and hospitality clients.
Certifications and Compliance
Sugimoto Tea Company operates with a full suite of safety and sustainability certifications:
ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System
USDA Organic, JAS Organic, and Non-GMO Project Verified
Rainforest Alliance certified sourcing practices for certain collaborations
Full compliance with FDA and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements for U.S. importation and labeling
All packaging materials are recyclable and designed for long-term product preservation.
Freshness and flavor complexity, especially in sencha and gyokuro offerings
Aesthetic packaging and cultural authenticity
Fast, responsive service and informative guidance
Educational content, which helps new tea drinkers make informed choices
Online reviews average 4.8/5 stars, and the brand is widely recommended on forums like Reddit’s r/tea and TeaChat.
Major Achievements
Featured in World Tea Expo, Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) events, and Natural Products Expo West
Official tea sponsor of Japanese cultural and wellness festivals in the U.S.
Created “Sugimoto Reserve” line in 2023—premium limited-edition teas from micro-lot harvests
Partnered with chefs and baristas to develop tea-based lattes, cocktails, and desserts
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Japanese Tea Brands in the U.S. by tea trade publications
Sugimoto Tea Company remains a trusted name in authentic Japanese tea, bridging centuries-old craftsmanship with the needs of today’s health-conscious and culturally aware consumers.
