India has achieved a milestone in tea production with the launch of its first commercial matcha tea, produced at the 83-year-old Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia, a key tea hub in eastern Assam. This development is the result of a decade-long collaboration between the estate and Kawasaki Kiko, a Japanese tea machinery manufacturer.
Decade-long partnership yields premium matcha
The partnership began in 2016 when Chota Tingrai Tea Estate sought to diversify its offerings and tap into the growing global demand for matcha. Kawasaki Kiko provided specialized machinery and technical expertise to cultivate and process green tea leaves into matcha powder, a staple in Japanese tea ceremonies and increasingly popular in health-conscious markets worldwide.
According to estate officials, the collaboration involved adapting traditional Japanese methods to Assam's unique climate and soil conditions. The result is a high-quality matcha that meets international standards, with a vibrant green color and smooth flavor profile.
Economic and cultural impact
The launch of commercial matcha production is expected to boost Assam's tea economy, which has traditionally focused on black tea. Matcha commands a premium price in global markets, offering higher revenue potential for tea estates. The project also creates new jobs in processing and quality control, according to local sources.
"This is a proud moment for Assam's tea industry," said a spokesperson for Chota Tingrai Tea Estate. "The collaboration with Kawasaki Kiko has not only brought new technology but also a deeper understanding of Japanese tea culture."
Kawasaki Kiko representatives noted that the partnership demonstrates how traditional knowledge can be combined with modern machinery to produce world-class products. The company plans to continue supporting the estate with training and equipment upgrades.
Future prospects
With matcha consumption rising in India and abroad, the estate aims to scale up production and explore export opportunities. The success of this venture could inspire other Assam tea estates to diversify into specialty teas, further strengthening the region's position in the global tea market.
"We are just at the beginning," the spokesperson added. "Our goal is to make Assam matcha a recognized brand worldwide."
