Question 1

What is the difference between ceremonial, barista and culinary matcha?

Accepted Answer

Ceremonial is the highest grade — first-harvest shaded leaves, deep umami flavor and brilliant jade color. Reserved for usucha and koicha. Barista grade keeps high quality but is calibrated to blend with milk without losing color — ideal for lattes. Culinary is more astringent and vegetal, designed to hold up under heat in pastry and ice cream.

Question 2

How many lattes does 1kg yield in a café?

Accepted Answer

A standard latte uses 2g of matcha. 1kg yields roughly 500 lattes. Traditional usucha is the same ~2g per cup. Pastry use varies (5–30g per preparation).

Question 3

What is the MOQ (minimum order)?

Accepted Answer

We start at 1kg so you can test before scaling. No high-volume commitment to begin. Once we validate fit, we adjust pricing based on monthly or annual volume.

Question 4

Do you deliver outside Santiago?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship to regions via Starken, Chilexpress and specialized cold-chain carriers for larger volumes. Lead time outside Santiago is usually 48–72 business hours.

Question 5

How should I store matcha in my café?

Accepted Answer

In a sealed container, refrigerated at 2–8°C, away from direct light and strong odors. Once opened, ideally consume within 30 days to preserve color and umami. Sealed shelf life is 12 months from packaging.

Question 6

How long does matcha take from Japan to Chile?

Accepted Answer

We import small batches every 6 weeks for optimal freshness. Japan → Chile transit is ~21 days via refrigerated sea freight. Cold chain is maintained through final delivery.

Question 7

Do you work with independent cafés or only chains?

Accepted Answer

Both. We have independent clients from 2kg/month and chains consuming 50+ kg/month. Barista training is offered regardless of size.

Question 8

Do you offer barista training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in person in Santiago for clients from 10kg/month, and remote video training for smaller volumes. We cover correct preparation, ratios, common mistakes and grade differentiation.

Question 9

Do you have certified organic matcha?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry JONA-certified (Japan Organic & Natural Foods Association) batches. Mention it at quote and we reserve that production specifically for you.

Question 10

What is the harvest date of the matcha you import?

Accepted Answer

We work with ichibancha (first harvest, April–May in Japan). This is the most valued harvest — young leaves with the highest L-theanine and chlorophyll concentration. Some culinary batches may include second harvest when the product calls for it.

Question 11

Can you issue a Chilean tax invoice (factura con IVA)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a formally incorporated Chilean company, SAG-registered, and issue an electronic VAT invoice the same day as dispatch.

Question 12

Do you have halal or kosher certified matcha?

Accepted Answer

Matcha is naturally compatible with both regimes (pure green tea). If you need formal certification, we can coordinate with specific producers who hold those certificates — adds 2–3 weeks of logistics.

Question 13

How does your price compare to other importers in Chile?

Accepted Answer

We work direct with Japanese producers, no intermediate distributor. That removes 25–40% of the typical ceremonial-grade matcha price in Chile. We pass that saving to you.

Question 14

Do you offer free samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We ship 30g of the grade you want at no cost. Santiago delivery in 24h, regions 48–72h.

Question 15

Can I visit your warehouse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for active clients or prospects with volumes from 10kg/month we coordinate visits to our Santiago warehouse. Request it via the contact form.

Frequently asked questions