Ujinotsuyu, officially Ujinotsuyu Seicha Co., Ltd. (宇治の露製茶株式会社), is a major Japanese tea company based in Kyoto. The brand is renowned for producing a wide range of authentic Japanese green teas, with a special focus on matcha from the esteemed Uji region.
Brand Background
Founded in 1950 in the Yamashiro region of Kyoto, Ujinotsuyu has established itself as one of Japan's leading tea producers. The company's philosophy centers on delivering high-quality, traditional Japanese teas that are both authentic and accessible to a global audience. Their name, which translates to "Dew of Uji," evokes the pristine, natural environment of the Uji region, famed for its ideal tea-growing terroir.
Company Details
- Official Name: Ujinotsuyu Seicha Co., Ltd. (宇治の露製茶株式会社)
- Established: 1950
- Location: Yamashiro, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Core Business: Manufacturing and sales of Japanese green tea, including matcha, gyokuro, and sencha.
Key Products
While Ujinotsuyu produces a wide variety of teas, they are particularly known in the international market for their accessible matcha offerings.
Matcha Hagoromo (羽衣)
- Grade: Culinary / Ingredient Grade
- Positioning: A budget-friendly, economical matcha.
- Flavor Profile: Smooth and drinkable with notes of fresh grain. It is less bitter than many other culinary matchas, making it a good value proposition.
- Best For: Matcha lattes, smoothies, baking, and other culinary applications where the subtle notes of a ceremonial grade would be lost.
- Packaging: Typically sold in 40g tins.
Quality and Sourcing
Ujinotsuyu prides itself on its connection to the Uji region, the historical birthplace of Japanese tea cultivation.
- Origin: The company sources its tea leaves from the Uji region in Kyoto, an area with over 800 years of tea-growing history.
- Quality Control: As a major producer, Ujinotsuyu maintains strict quality control standards from cultivation to final processing.
- Authenticity: Their products are 100% natural, without additives, and represent authentic Japanese tea.
Market Position
Ujinotsuyu is positioned as a major, reliable producer of authentic Japanese green tea. They cater to both the domestic Japanese market and a growing international audience.
- Target Audience: Their product range serves everyone from budget-conscious consumers and culinary professionals (with products like Matcha Hagoromo) to connoisseurs of high-grade teas.
- Competitors: Competes with other large Uji-based producers like Marukyu Koyamaen and established brands like Ippodo, but often at a more accessible price point for their entry-level products.
Where to Buy
Ujinotsuyu products are widely available through various channels:
- Online Marketplaces: Amazon is a primary channel for international customers.
- Specialty Retailers: Available through online Japanese grocery stores and international food retailers.
- Physical Stores: Can be found in some Asian markets and specialty food stores.