Guwahati: For centuries, Matcha has been inseparable from Japan — a vibrant green powdered tea whisked into froth during the country’s ancient tea ceremonies and today sipped in cafes from Tokyo to New York. Now, after a decade of collaboration with Japanese tea experts, that iconic beverage has found a new address: Assam.In a landmark for India’s tea industry, Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district has become the country’s first estate to commercially manufacture Matcha, bringing one of the world’s most sought-after specialty teas to the land best known for its robust black tea.For tea lovers, the story is more than a commercial first. It is the coming together of two of the world’s great tea traditions — Japan’s centuries-old art of Matcha and Assam’s 200-year legacy of tea cultivation. If the experiment succeeds, the next cup of authentic Matcha savoured anywhere in the world may carry not only the taste of Japan, but also the unmistakable imprint of Assam.The milestone was marked on Friday when the first batch of Indian-produced Matcha went under the hammer at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre. Lot No. 7001 fetched ₹3,000 at Sale 27, with Guwahati-based Sheosons Chai Co. purchasing it through auctioneers J Thomas & Co. Pvt Ltd.The achievement is the culmination of a 10-year partnership between Chota Tingrai Tea Estate and Japanese manufacturers, agronomists, equipment suppliers and tea masters. During this period, the estate established a fully automated Japanese tea manufacturing facility, adopting the specialised cultivation and processing techniques that distinguish authentic Matcha from conventional green tea.Unlike ordinary green tea, Matcha is produced from shade-grown leaves that are carefully processed and finely ground into a bright green powder. Because the entire leaf is consumed rather than infused and discarded, Matcha is prized for its rich umami flavour, vibrant colour and high antioxidant content. Its popularity has exploded worldwide over the past decade, making it a staple in cafes, desserts and health foods while creating supply shortages in traditional producing countries.Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the development, saying on X: “Your favourite Matcha brew will now be produced in Assam. Furthering our glorious tea legacy, Assam becomes the first State in India to commercially produce Matcha tea at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia.”He added that this diversification to the viral drink will help strengthen brand Assam Tea in the global markets.For Assam, whose identity has long been defined by bold black teas, the arrival of Matcha signals a new chapter.“We have been working with tea experts from Japan for the past decade to introduce the highest quality of green tea to the Indian market,” said Mrityunjay Jalan, director of Chota Tingrai Tea Estate.“While we have successfully sold whole-leaf green tea grades for the past 10 years, the launch of authentic Indian Matcha is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. It is the result of a dedicated partnership with our Japanese counterparts, and we are confident that Matcha from Chota Tingrai will soon find a home in both Indian and international households,” he added.Bidyananda Barkakoty, adviser to the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), said the development was significant as Matcha has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tea market.“Matcha tea is becoming hugely popular worldwide. It is a matter of pride for Assam that top-quality Matcha tea is being produced by Chota Tingri Tea Estate. Japan has traditionally been the leading producer of Matcha tea and markets it across the world,” he said.Industry observers say the development could help diversify Assam’s tea portfolio at a time when specialty teas are commanding premium prices in global markets. It also positions India to tap into surging international demand for Matcha, a segment that has until now been dominated by Japan, with smaller supplies coming from China and Vietnam.
