Price of matcha per kilo: how much does professional-grade matcha cost?

How much does a kilo of matcha cost? The answer varies from €50 to over €300 depending on the grade, origin, and supplier. For a professional, understanding these price differences is essential to make the right choice and optimize margins.

This guide details the prices of matcha per kilo in France, explains why prices vary so much, and helps you identify the best value for money for your establishment.

Why prices vary so much

A kilo of matcha can cost €50 or €300. This difference is not just marketing. It reflects concrete differences in the production process.

Geographical origin

Japanese matcha is more expensive than Chinese matcha. Japan has centuries of expertise, strict cultivation standards (obligatory shading, tencha, stone grinding), and rigorous quality controls. Chinese matcha, mainly produced in Guizhou province, is cultivated on a larger scale with sometimes simplified methods, which reduces the cost but also the fineness of the result.

Within Japan, regions also influence the price. Matcha from Uji (Kyoto), the historical birthplace of matcha, will generally be more expensive than matcha from Kagoshima or Shizuoka, even of comparable quality. The reputation of the terroir plays a role, just like with wine.

The grade

The matcha grade is the most decisive price factor. Ceremonial grade matcha, made from the first spring shoots, hand-picked and slowly ground with a stone mill, requires considerable work. A kilo of ceremonial matcha takes approximately 30 hours of grinding. Culinary matcha, made from later harvests and sometimes mechanically ground, is produced much faster.

Organic certification

Certified organic matcha imposes additional cultivation constraints (no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers) which reduce yields and increase costs. The price difference between organic and conventional matcha of the same grade is generally 15 to 30%.

Volume ordered

As with any professional purchase, prices are volume-based. A wholesale purchase of 10 kg will not be the same price per kilo as an order of 3 kg. Serious suppliers offer price lists with volume tiers.

Average price per grade in France (2026)

These ranges reflect prices observed from major suppliers in France in 2026, for orders of 3 to 10 kg. Prices decrease significantly for volumes of 20 kg and more.

A key point: the cheapest matcha per kilo is not necessarily the most economical to use. A Chinese culinary matcha at €60/kg used in a latte will result in a bitter taste that will displease your customers. You will have to compensate with more sugar or milk, which alters the perceived quality and can harm your image. The correct calculation is based on the cost per cup, not the price per kilo.

The true cost: price per kilo vs. cost per cup

This is the calculation that truly matters for a professional. The price per kilo is an indicator, but the cost per cup determines your actual margin.

A standard matcha latte uses between 1.5 and 2 g of powder. A kilo of matcha can therefore prepare 500 to 700 lattes. Here's what that looks like in practice.

The difference in material cost between a culinary matcha at €70/kg and a premium matcha at €275/kg is only €0.31 per latte. Less than 31 cents separates a mediocre latte from a premium latte that builds customer loyalty and justifies a selling price of €5 to €6. The article calculating matcha profitability details these simulations with concrete scenarios.

This is why many professionals who start with cheap matcha end up upgrading. The marginal material cost is low, but the impact on customer satisfaction and the establishment's reputation is considerable.

FAQ: professional matcha prices

Why is Japanese matcha more expensive than Chinese matcha?

Japanese matcha follows a more demanding production process: obligatory shading for 3 to 4 weeks, transformation into tencha (removal of veins and stems), slow grinding with a stone mill. Chinese matcha sometimes uses simplified methods that reduce production time and cost, but also the fineness and aromatic richness of the result.

Is cheap matcha suitable for professionals?

Matcha at €50-€70/kg is suitable for pastry where sugar and other ingredients compensate for bitterness. For lattes and drinks served to customers, a too low-grade matcha yields a bitter and visually dull result that can harm your reputation. The extra cost of a premium matcha (€0.30 more per cup) is negligible compared to the risk of losing a dissatisfied customer. The article why matcha attracts a premium clientele develops this argument.

What is the MOQ (minimum order quantity) at TSUKI?

3 kg for SR 1st Flush matcha (drink) and 10 kg for OGJ C10 matcha (culinary). These thresholds allow testing the product in real conditions without heavy commitment. Free samples are available upon request.

Are prices volume-based?

Yes. For multi-site establishments or large volumes, we offer preferential conditions. Contact our team for a personalized offer.

How to objectively compare two matcha suppliers?

Don't just compare the price per kilo. Compare the cost per cup (taking into account yield), the consistency of quality from one batch to another, traceability (origin, grade, cultivar), service (responsiveness, support), and delivery conditions. A supplier that is 10% more expensive but reliable and responsive will cost you less in the long run than a cheap but unstable supplier.

Will matcha prices increase?

Global demand for matcha is growing strongly every year. Japan exports only 4% of its domestic production. This tension between limited supply and growing demand puts upward pressure on prices, particularly for premium and ceremonial grades. Securing a reliable supplier with stable prices is a competitive advantage for professionals.

Are you a professional looking for quality matcha at the right price? Request your free samples and receive our price list within 24 hours.