Matcha on the food fraud heatmap?

Posted on by Cesare Varallo

Japan's green tea exports surged to 13,125 tonnes in FY2025, with a 42% increase in volume and a more than doubled value to ¥84.7 billion, largely driven by growing matcha demand. The shift from sencha to tencha is supported by government subsidies, yet challenges include an aging workforce and price pressures, raising concerns about potential adulteration in the market.

Emergency Food Supply Measures Signal Bleak Future

Posted on by Cesare Varallo

Japan has enacted a "food supply emergency measures law" to address rising food costs and supply shortages, allowing the government to direct food producers in response to production declines. This follows significant rice price increases and reflects broader concerns about food security amid climate change and geopolitical instability. Other countries are also urging preparedness for potential food crises.