Matcha

M
[Màtch-a] n. Finely ground Japanese green tea, used in traditional ceremonies or as an ingredient in drinks and desserts.

The Japanese ceremonial tea was so popular this year that it suddenly became performative. According to industry analysts, TikTok searches related to matcha have risen 520% compared to 2020, driven by viral videos of iced matcha lattes topped with heart-shaped foam or zen morning rituals promising energy without the caffeine spikes of regular coffee. Yet a crisis is looming over the sector for reasons that are almost poetic in their sad symbolism. Japan, the epicentre of production, has seen its agricultural workforce shrink by 77% between 2000 and 2020 due to an ageing population and urban migration. Basically, matcha reserves are running low. Worldwide Casanovas, it may be time to go back to craft beer.

Matcha
The number of profiles mentioning matcha doubled this year, with a 104% surge, and the post volume increased by 122% on Instagram and TikTok.