China: Chinese matcha brews global success.

Storyline Chinese matcha brews global success As the world's largest matcha producer, China is seeing a large increase in matcha exports. Matcha is a powder made from tea leaves grown in the shade, and it's been gaining global popularity in recent years. So popular that some traditional Chinese tea companies have made the switch to exclusively producing the bright green powder. Fang Li, general manager, tea processing company: "Our matcha production capacity is unable to keep up with orders, but we can meet 50% of our needs." Demand for matcha, both domestic and international, has led to a significant increase in matcha exports from eastern China's Zhejiang province. This company's head explained that their products are very popular overseas, with export orders expected to exceed 10 million units this year. Wang Junhua, founder, matcha processing company: "Global consumers' pursuit of health has propelled matcha to global popularity. Currently, China's matcha cultivation and production levels are gradually approaching international standards." Data shows that in the first quarter of this year, Zhejiang exported about 1,200 tons of matcha, valued at 20 million U.S. dollars, a 7-fold increase year-on-year. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]