Hello from ICHIZEN. If you want to sell matcha under your own brand, or create an original matcha for your shop, you will probably come across OEM—contract manufacturing.
At first it can be hard to tell what you can hand over and what you need to do yourself. This guide walks through how to create private-label matcha and what to confirm with a manufacturing partner.
How does matcha OEM work?
OEM means an outside company makes the product and you sell it under your own brand. With matcha, there are several forms depending on how much you hand over—from choosing the tea to packing and labeling.
You buy only the matcha and handle packing and sales yourself.
You ask a partner to choose the tea and pack it, then buy the finished product.
You ask a manufacturer to make processed products, such as matcha sweets or drinks.
The right form depends on the equipment you have and how much of the work you want to do yourselves.
Start by deciding what kind of matcha—and for whom
The more concrete your product idea, the easier an OEM conversation becomes. Try writing your use and customer in one sentence, such as “a latte matcha whose color and aroma hold up with milk, for café lovers.”
The matcha that suits you depends on whether it will be whisked with hot water, blended with milk, or used in sweets. Once the use is clear, a partner can narrow down suitable options.
What should you confirm with a partner?
When comparing partners, look beyond price and check points like these.
Can they explain where the tea comes from and who selects and finishes it?
What is the minimum order quantity, and what are typical lead times?
Can you confirm the actual taste and color through samples or trial batches?
What package formats and sizes are available, and who prepares the design?
How do they keep quality consistent for repeat orders?
Packaged matcha must be labeled according to food labeling rules. Even if your company appears as the seller, there are rules for how the manufacturer or production site is shown. Agree before signing who is responsible for the design and for checking the label.
How do you get from samples to launch?
The usual flow is inquiry, sample review, deciding the specifications and packaging, production, and delivery. Test samples the way they will actually be used. For a latte matcha, try it with the milk and sweetness you plan to offer.
Launching small, listening to customers, and adjusting the next order keeps inventory risk down compared with ordering a large quantity at the start. For the bigger picture, see our guide on how to start a matcha business.
Create a matcha that feels like yours, at a manageable pace
Building a private-label matcha comes down to deciding on your use and customer, confirming the tea and labeling with your partner, and testing on a small scale.
ICHIZEN is Uji matcha selected for matcha lattes by Wakimoto Jokoen, a Kyoto tea merchant now in its fourth generation. For questions about sales formats and order volumes, please contact us through our wholesale inquiry page.
FAQ
Can you order matcha OEM in small quantities?
Minimum order quantities vary by supplier and product format. Ask whether small lots are possible in your first inquiry. If you want to start small, using ready-made packaging can also be an option.
Can you put your own company name on private-label matcha?
You can often appear on the label as the seller, but food labeling rules also cover how the manufacturer or production site is shown. Confirm with your partner who is responsible for each part of the label before signing a contract.
What should you prepare before asking about matcha OEM?
Clarify who the product is for, how it will be used (for lattes or for drinking), the quantity and launch timing you have in mind, and a rough budget. This makes the first conversation much smoother.
