<br><br>**Heatwave Havoc How Japan's Record-Breaking Temperatures are Impacting Matcha Tea Output**<br><br>As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, one industry that is particularly feeling the heat is Japan's matcha green tea production. A record-breaking heatwave in 2024 has taken a significant toll on the country's prized matcha crop, leading to lower yields and skyrocketing prices.<br><br>**The Impact of Unprecedented Temperatures**<br><br>Last year, Japan experienced its hottest year on record, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The Kyoto region, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of Japan's matcha production, was hit particularly hard by the heatwave. Farmers like Masahiro Yoshida, who has been cultivating tea leaves for six generations, were forced to contend with scorching temperatures that damaged his bushes and reduced yields.<br><br>It's a huge problem, Yoshida explained. We couldn't pluck as many tea leaves because last year's summer was so hot.<br><br>**A Perfect Storm Driving Up Prices**<br><br>The heatwave is just one part of the perfect storm that is driving up matcha prices to record highs. Global demand for the trendy beverage has surged in recent years, driven by millennials and Gen Z buyers seeking healthier choices. Hip cafes globally are offering matcha lattes, smoothies, and desserts, which has created a huge appetite for the finely ground tea.<br><br>Viral social media traction last autumn turbocharged demand, prompting some wholesalers to impose purchase limits. I'm basically always out of stock, said Yuki Ishii, founder of Singapore-based Tealife.<br><br>**The Numbers Behind the Crisis**<br><br>Japan produced 5,336 tons of tencha in 2024, a nearly 2.7-fold increase from 10 years earlier. However, the Japanese Tea Production Association expects lower matcha output this year due to the heatwave and other factors.<br><br>The current shortage is expected to continue for some time, said Marc Falzon, who buys tea from Uji farmers for his New Jersey-based milling firm, Ooika Co. I suspect we'll see even more dramatic price increases.<br><br>**Adapting to the New Reality**<br><br>In an effort to increase matcha output, Japanese producers are trying to plant new fields and expand their operations. However, this won't solve the current shortage as it takes five years for new tea bushes to mature. As a result, prices are expected to continue rising.<br><br>The heatwave has brought forward the anticipated price increases, Falzon noted. It's an unexpected twist that the market is not used to.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>The heatwave in Japan has dealt a significant blow to matcha production, leading to lower yields and skyrocketing prices. As global demand for the trendy beverage continues to rise, it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to these changes. One thing is certain, however the world's love affair with matcha is not slowing down anytime soon.<br><br>**Keywords** Matcha green tea, Japan, heatwave, climate change, tea production, demand, prices, supply chain.
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