Matchaeologist is a contemporary, artisanal matcha brand founded in 2015. The brand's mission is to bring a modern perspective to the ancient Japanese tea ceremony, making the "matcha ritual" accessible and relevant for a global audience. They are known for their minimalist aesthetic, high-quality matcha, and focus on consumer education.
Brand History & Philosophy
- Founded: 2015
- Philosophy: To define and deliver the ultimate "#MatchaRitual" experience.
Matchaeologist began as a personal concierge service for artisanal matcha in Japan before launching an online platform to serve customers worldwide. Their philosophy is centered on a "crop-to-cup" model, cutting out middlemen to ensure freshness and quality. They combine modern technology and minimalist design with traditional artisanal techniques to create a holistic matcha experience.
The brand emphasizes not just the quality of the tea itself, but also the importance of the preparation ritual, offering contemporary matcha-ware designed to enhance the experience.
Company Details
- Founded: 2015
- Core Business: Direct-to-consumer sales of artisanal Japanese matcha and modern matcha-ware.
Key Matcha Products
Matchaeologist offers a curated selection of matcha, graded by intended use and flavor profile.
Ceremonial Grades
- Meiko (名工): A signature ceremonial grade, known for its remarkable "ooika" (覆い香) fragrance—a refreshing aroma found only in the highest quality shade-grown teas. It has a sweet, mellow, and savory flavor profile with floral notes.
- Misaki (岬): Another ceremonial option, often highlighted for its vibrant color and smooth taste.
Creative & Culinary Grades
- Matsuri (祭): A versatile, high-quality culinary grade suitable for lattes, smoothies, and baking. It is designed to have a more robust flavor that can stand up to other ingredients.
Quality and Sourcing
- Origin: Matchaeologist sources its tea from the renowned Uji region of Kyoto, Japan. They emphasize the importance of "terroir" and the unique agro-climatic conditions of Uji that produce distinctive flavor profiles.
- Artisanal Quality: The brand specializes in what they term "artisanal-grade" matcha, characterized by a vivid pine-green color, refreshing aromas, and a deep, savory "umami" flavor.
- Freshness: By using a direct "crop-to-cup" supply chain, they aim to deliver a fresher product than many traditional retailers.
Market Position
Matchaeologist is a modern, direct-to-consumer (DTC) luxury brand that has carved out a niche in the global matcha market.
- Target Audience: Design-conscious millennials, wellness enthusiasts, and modern foodies who are interested in both the health benefits and the aesthetic ritual of matcha.
- Competitors: Competes with other modern, design-forward matcha brands as well as traditional producers who are expanding their online presence.
- Brand Identity: Defined by its minimalist, sleek black-and-white packaging, focus on the "ritual" aspect of matcha, and high-quality, educational content.
Where to Buy
Matchaeologist primarily sells directly to consumers through their website.
- Online: Their official website is the main sales channel, with dedicated stores for different international regions.
- Wholesale: They also offer wholesale options for cafes and retailers.
- Other Retailers: Their products can sometimes be found on Amazon or at select specialty retailers.