Back to Basics

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk to Nicha and Francis, the cofounders of Haru Matcha based in London. The discussion dives into the UK matcha scene, their experience visiting tea farms in Gokasho and other regions around Uji, and how they’ve built their brand. Nicha and Francis also share their unique perspective as professional behavioral scientists, exploring how theories and frameworks from consumer behavioral science can be leveraged to position products and communicate value in matcha.https://harumatcha.co.uk/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with Jacque from Jacque & Matcha, exploring her recent experiences in Japan. They discuss the importance of in-person connections, the unique insights gained from educational tours, and the challenges faced by tea farmers. The conversation highlights the role of women in the tea industry, the significance of cultural exchanges, and the future of tea production. Jacque shares her inspiring moments with farmers and the collaborative projects she is involved in, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and community support in the tea industry.

In this episode of the Specialty Match Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) delve into the world of matcha milling. They explore various milling mechanisms, including traditional stone-ground (ishi usu) matcha, and modern approaches such as ball mills and jet mills. The conversation highlights the operational complexities of these machines, the importance of particle morphology and heat management, and the grinding mechanisms of each method. Additionally, they announce features of the matcha mill they are currently developing, Sanko Usu One, to mill matcha fresh anywhere and everywhere to a similar quality standard of a traditional stone ishi usu. For more information on Sanko Usu One, please email [email protected] or message us on Instagram @sanko_matcha or @specialtymatcha for a link-only Notion page with all of the details . Pre-orders for the beta program open in September, 2025!

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome Erin Lindwall, founder of Matcha Yu, to discuss her journey into the world of matcha, the evolution of matcha culture in Australia, and the challenges faced in the tea industry. Erin shares her experiences in Japan, the importance of quality and education in matcha, and the cultural significance of matcha. The conversation also touches on the growing interest in matcha among younger generations and the impact of coffee culture on matcha consumption.https://www.matchayutea.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome Erin Lindwall, founder of Matcha Yu, to discuss her journey into the world of matcha, the evolution of matcha culture in Australia, and the challenges faced in the tea industry. Erin shares her experiences in Japan, the importance of quality and education in matcha, and the cultural significance of matcha. The conversation also touches on the growing interest in matcha among younger generations and the impact of coffee culture on matcha consumption.https://www.matchayutea.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan, Sam, and Marc discuss the intricacies of the tea industry, focusing on matcha and hojicha. They reflect on Marc's recent trip to Japan, where he learned about the challenges faced by tea farmers, the cultural significance of tea, and the dynamics of the market. The conversation delves into the future of matcha production, the impact of consumer behavior on pricing, and the potential for hojicha to become a specialty product.

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun explore the journey of appreciating specialty matcha, discussing the consumer journey from beginner to an experienced consumer. They delve into the importance of context in appreciating matcha, the role of rarity and value, and how people form preferences. The conversation highlights the democratization of matcha appreciation, different sphere's in which matcha is appreciated in, and the need for "more educated" consumers who can discern quality and value in the market.

In this weeks episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Marcel from Unearthed Gallery based in Munich, Germany. They discuss the matcha scene in Germany, learnings from specialty matcha workshops Marcel has hosted, as well as importation complexities bringing matcha into the EU. https://unearthed-gallery.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Match podcast, Ryan and Sam welcome Dee from Homecoming Matcha to discuss her journey in the matcha industry. Dee shares her background, the vision behind her brand, and the importance of authenticity in matcha branding. The conversation explores the challenges of sourcing matcha, the impact of tariffs, and the products Dee plans to launch. They also discuss community engagement strategies and the future of the matcha industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and sustainability.https://www.homecomingmatcha.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss their journey at Sanko, highlighting a significant milestone in their matcha milling technology. They explore the evolution of matcha from a traditional Japanese beverage to a global phenomenon, addressing the challenges of stale matcha in the supply chain and the importance of fresh milling. The conversation delves into cultural dynamics, innovation cycles, and the need for community engagement.If you are interested in the beta program please reach out to us at [email protected], on our website, or on Instagram @sanko_matcha