Exploding global demand for matcha-flavoured products has left Japanese suppliers struggling to keep up, driving up prices and leading to shortages of the finely ground green tea powder.

Toronto

Global demand for matcha, the finely ground green tea powder, has surged, causing supply shortages and price increases. Japanese suppliers are struggling to keep up, with some limiting the amount they can provide to customers. The popularity of matcha, fueled by social media trends and its adoption by major chains, has made it difficult for traditional tea ceremony practitioners to access high-grade matcha. The situation is further complicated by an aging population of tea farmers in Japan, raising concerns about the sustainability of the industry. Businesses and consumers alike are adjusting their practices in response to the ongoing matcha craze.

Matcha frenzy upends delicate global supply chain

At this cafe, matcha, the powder tea with a vivid green hue and earthy flavor has overthrown espresso as customers' caffeine fix of choice. Here you go, 200 matchas a day. It's quite a bit of whisking, I would say. The tea has become so popular, a global shortage is upending its delicate supply chain. Some suppliers are even cutting customers off. One of our suppliers, they say, your maximum is like 10 kilos a month. And beyond that point, we need to find elsewhere. High-grade matcha is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, but a social media frenzy has turned matcha-flavored products into a menu staple, both at small shops and big chains like Starbucks. The negative effect is for the tea ceremony practitioners that drink the high-grade matcha for their practice. Matcha is made in small seasonal batches by grounding tencha leaves. But Japan's tea farmers are aging out just as international demand soars. It's really to a point where it's almost unsustainable for the industry. This Japanese tea company sends a third of its supply to international buyers, who are in for a price shock next year. There will be supply coming in, but the pricing might have some people have second thoughts for the business. One social media creator is also having second thoughts. She went viral for her matcha videos, but she's scaled back. I personally toned down in posting powders, but sometimes there are brands that you like and then it becomes too popular, it just gets sold out. Two and a half days for us to go through the whole bag. In an effort to protect their own stash, the cafe added a third tea supplier, hoping that will be enough to ride out the matcha craze. Janet Benchetrit, CBC News, Toronto.

Russia pummeled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia's Vladimir Putin, officials said.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Russia hits Kyiv with largest drone attack after Trump-Putin call

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Washington

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Jerusalem

More than 80 people killed in Gaza in one day

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Global Tariffs

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Gilimanuk

Indonesia suspends search for 30 missing after ferry sinks near Bali

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Manhattan

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Tehran

Iran Strikes

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Lhasa

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Boise

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Everglades

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Moscow

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Thailand's Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty pending a case seeking her dismissal, adding to mounting pressure on a government fighting for survival on multiple fronts.

Bangkok

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