A tea estate in Assam has announced that it has produced and sold the first batch of matcha tea manufactured entirely in India, marking a notable expansion of the country’s premium tea industry into a product long dominated by Japan.
The Assam Estate, operated by the Greenleaf Tea Group, said in a statement that it began trial production of matcha in February 2026 and delivered its first shipment of 500 kilograms to a boutique retailer in New Delhi in early March. The batch was processed at the estate’s state‑of‑the‑art grinding facility, which uses a stone‑mill system adapted from Japanese techniques.
“The introduction of matcha into our portfolio is a strategic move to capture a growing segment of health‑conscious consumers,” said Greenleaf CEO Anil Kumar. “We have invested heavily in training our staff on the precise grinding and handling required to preserve the delicate flavor profile of matcha.”
The company’s statement noted that the matcha was sourced from its own tea gardens, with leaves harvested in early spring and then shade‑grown for 20–30 days before being hand‑picked. The finished product has been certified by the Indian Tea Board as a premium green tea, though it does not carry the Japanese “Matcha” trademark, which is protected under international intellectual property agreements.
Industry observers say the move could help diversify India’s tea exports, which have traditionally focused on black and green teas for domestic consumption and overseas markets. “India has the capacity to produce high‑quality green tea, but matcha’s specialized processing has been a barrier,” said Dr. Maya Patel, a tea analyst with the Tea Research Institute of India. “If Greenleaf can scale production while maintaining quality, it could open new export channels, especially in the health‑food segment.”
The estate’s first shipment was sold to a Delhi‑based specialty tea shop that plans to market the product under the brand name “Assam Green Matcha.” The shop’s owner, Priya Nair, said the product has received positive feedback from customers who are new to matcha but appreciate its local provenance.
While the launch is a milestone for the estate, experts caution that achieving the consistency and flavor profile that Japanese matcha consumers expect will require further refinement. “The taste and aroma of matcha are highly sensitive to processing variables,” noted Dr. Patel. “It will be interesting to see how Indian producers adapt traditional Japanese methods to local conditions.”
The Greenleaf Tea Group has not yet announced plans for larger scale production or export beyond India. However, the company’s spokesperson said it is exploring partnerships with international distributors.
Analysis: The introduction of an India‑made matcha product reflects a broader trend of Indian agribusinesses seeking to capture niche premium markets. By leveraging its extensive tea cultivation infrastructure, Greenleaf aims to reduce reliance on imported matcha, potentially lowering costs for domestic consumers and creating new export opportunities. Success will depend on the estate’s ability to meet stringent quality standards and navigate the competitive landscape dominated by established Japanese producers.
Sources
Indian Express. “Matcha tea, now from India: Assam estate sells first India‑made batch.” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/matcha-tea-now-from-india-assam-estate-sells-first-india-made-batch-10770091/
Story synopsis gathered from: Indian Express – India — source
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