Core Insights - The demand for matcha products has surged significantly, driven by foreign tourists and a growing global interest in health-oriented foods [1][21][28] - Matcha has become a staple flavor in desserts and beverages, with a wide variety of new products being introduced annually in Japan [2][5][6] - The matcha market is expected to continue expanding, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% from 2022 to 2027, reaching a market size of $5.5 billion by 2027 [40] Industry Trends - The popularity of matcha has been influenced by health trends, with consumers associating it with various health benefits, including weight loss and improved heart health [28][30] - Social media has played a crucial role in promoting matcha, with visually appealing matcha products gaining traction on platforms like Instagram and TikTok [33][34] - The collaboration between matcha and global coffee culture, particularly through major chains like Starbucks, has further solidified matcha's presence in the beverage market [36][37] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply of matcha has struggled to keep pace with the rising demand, leading to shortages and even purchase limits at some retailers [15][17][18] - The price of matcha has increased significantly, with raw matcha leaf prices rising by approximately 30% over the past five years [23] - The production of matcha faces challenges due to labor-intensive cultivation methods and an aging workforce in the tea industry [26] Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable shift in foreign tourists' spending habits, moving from mere product purchases to immersive cultural experiences, such as tea ceremonies [38][39] - The trend of "superfoods" has positioned matcha as a desirable product among health-conscious consumers, despite its higher price point [30][28] - The emergence of creative matcha-infused products, such as matcha tofu snacks, reflects the evolving consumer preferences and market innovation [46]

最近几年，抹茶冰饮成了炎炎夏日里越来越受到人们欢迎的选择，不管是颜色还是口感，都让人感觉至少下降了2℃。 这种看似年轻的饮品，其实已经出现上千年了，比咖啡的历史还要悠久。将蒸干的茶叶制成茶粉泡茶在宋代开始流行，当时人们将茶粉放入碗中，然后用 热水搅匀。虽然尚未使用"抹茶"这个词，但是这被认为是抹茶最早的起源。 唐代的一件用于将茶叶研磨成粉末的器物。丨wikimedia commons 1191年，一位日本僧人将茶籽从中国带回日本，并将他观察到的宋代饮茶方法记录下来。人们认为抹茶就是在这时传入日本的。后来，抹茶成为日本禅宗 寺院的重要物品，也越来越受到上流社会的重视。人们研制出了专门用于研磨茶叶的石磨，磨出的茶粉更细腻。 为了在霜冻天气里保护茶叶芽，以及避免在夏天让茶叶受到过度暴晒，人们用芦苇或稻草为茶树遮荫，却意外制作出了一种独特的日本抹茶。这种抹茶呈 现鲜绿色，具有独特的香气和风味。由于茶叶的光合作用减弱，茶叶中的茶氨酸更少地转化为单宁，也就增加了鲜味（茶氨酸的作用），减少了苦味和涩 味（单宁的作用）。 描绘日本京都宇治采茶厂的浮世绘。宇治是日本历史悠久的抹茶之都，12世纪，一名僧人在宇治建立了茶园，这里后 ...