Core Viewpoint - The Guizhou province's Tongren city is rapidly developing its matcha industry, with significant exports to Japan and plans for further international market expansion [1][2][3] Group 1: Industry Development - Tongren city is recognized as the "Matcha Capital of China," leveraging its unique climate and soil advantages to produce a variety of matcha products [1] - The city aims to produce over 1,750 tons of matcha raw materials by the end of this year and exceed 2,200 tons by 2026 [2] - In the first half of this year, matcha exports from Tongren reached 230 tons, a 42% year-on-year increase [1] Group 2: Export and Market Expansion - Guizhou's Guicha Group has successfully exported 16 tons of matcha to Japan this year, marking the first large-scale purchase of matcha from the region [1] - The global demand for matcha is increasing, with plans for Tongren's matcha products to reach over 50 countries and regions by 2025 [1][2] - The city has developed 58 matcha product variants that are now available in supermarkets across 43 countries and regions [2] Group 3: Competitive Positioning - Due to extreme weather conditions, Japan's matcha production has decreased by 25%, leading to increased prices for matcha in Japan [3] - The price of matcha in Kyoto reached 8,235 yen per kilogram in May, a 170% increase year-on-year, indicating a supply-demand imbalance [3] - As the trade between Tongren and Japan stabilizes and expands, the market share of Tongren's matcha products in Japan is expected to grow [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Guizhou province's Tongren city is rapidly developing its matcha industry, with significant exports to Japan and plans for further international market expansion [1][2][3] Group 1: Export and Production Growth - Guizhou's Guicha Group has successfully exported 16 tons of matcha to Japan this year, marking the first large-scale purchase from Japan [1] - The total matcha export volume from Tongren reached 230 tons in the first half of this year, a 42% increase year-on-year [1] - The city aims to export 180 tons of matcha in 2024 and has added 23,400 acres of matcha bases this year, producing 820 tons [1][2] Group 2: Strategic Development Goals - The Tongren city government has set a target to produce over 1,750 tons of matcha raw material by the end of this year and exceed 2,200 tons by 2026 [2] - Plans include cultivating a world-class matcha leading enterprise, developing 10 large-scale related enterprises, and establishing 100 matcha production lines [2] - The Guicha Group is forming the "Guicha Alliance" to create a stable supply chain through a collaborative model involving various stakeholders [2] Group 3: Market Position and Product Diversification - Tongren is not only focusing on raw material sales but is also entering the beverage and pastry markets, having developed 58 matcha products available in 43 countries [2] - The city plans to establish subsidiaries in the U.S., Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, hiring local marketing teams to enhance market presence [2] - China's matcha production is expected to exceed 5,000 tons this year, positioning it as a leading global producer [3]

Market Overview - In 2024, the matcha sales in Jiangkou County, Tongren City, Guizhou Province, are expected to exceed 1,200 tons, with a production value surpassing 300 million yuan, exporting to over 40 countries including Japan, the USA, and France [1] - By 2025, China's total matcha production is projected to exceed 5,000 tons, maintaining its position as the world's largest producer, with Guizhou accounting for one-fourth of the national output [1] Production and Quality Standards - Guizhou's tea garden area is stable at 7 million acres, ranking among the top in the country, benefiting from high altitude, low latitude, and abundant cloud cover, which enriches the tea leaves with amino acids and polyphenols [2] - The Guizhou Tea Group has established a quality management system in collaboration with international testing organizations, adhering to EU standards [3] Industry Development - Jiangkou County, previously a key poverty alleviation area, has developed a high-standard matcha industrial park since 2017, leading to increased income for local tea farmers [3][11] - The matcha production process involves over 20 steps, ensuring high-quality final products through a unified supply chain model [5] Technological Advancements - The Guizhou tea industry has adapted Japanese matcha production techniques to local conditions, achieving a 100% qualification rate for matcha processing after initial challenges [10] - The Guizhou Tea Group has invested 50 million yuan to establish a new matcha food company, planning to build four production lines with an annual capacity of 4,000 tons [16] Consumer Trends - Matcha is gaining popularity among younger consumers, with a significant portion of sales coming from this demographic, as evidenced by a 122.2% year-on-year increase in sales at a local matcha concept store [12][14] - The cultural aspects of matcha, including historical experiences and traditional preparation methods, are attracting more visitors and consumers [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of Jiangkou County in Guizhou Province as a significant hub for matcha production, showcasing its potential in the global market and the positive impact on local employment and economy [4][27]. Industry Overview - Jiangkou County is referred to as the "world's matcha super factory," with high-standard raw material bases and production lines, including the largest single matcha refining workshop globally [4]. - The expected matcha production in Jiangkou County for 2024 is projected to reach 1,300 tons, generating a revenue of 302 million yuan, and creating job opportunities for nearly 100,000 people in the surrounding areas [4]. Market Expansion - Matcha products from Jiangkou are exported to over 40 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia [4]. - By 2025, China's total matcha production is anticipated to exceed 5,000 tons, with Guizhou accounting for one-fourth of the national output [27]. Technological Advancements - The production process of matcha involves over 20 meticulous steps, including shading, picking, and grinding, which are now being automated to enhance efficiency and address labor shortages [16][23]. - The integration of technology in matcha production is described as an "industrial revolution" for the tea industry, improving productivity and quality [23]. Cultural Significance - Matcha, with its rich history and modern appeal, is not only a beverage but also a fashionable element in cultural tourism, reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation [15][20]. - The article emphasizes the importance of matcha in promoting Chinese tea culture globally, with local experts like Wei Yong actively participating in education and product development [25][26].