News article

Shizuoka reclaims top ranking in first-flush tea; production up 32% on favorable weather, matcha demand drives average price up 52%

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture released 2026 first-flush tea production figures for five major regions on 18 March. Shizuoka reclaimed the national lead with 10,700 tonnes—a 32% year-over-year rise—after losing the position to Kagoshima in 2025. Favorable growing conditions drove the output gain. The average farmgate price for Shizuoka first-flush leaf reached 3,365 yen per kilogram, up 52% from the previous year, reflecting sustained domestic and overseas demand for matcha.

Chunichi Shimbun — Tea / Nishio Aichi · 2026-08-19

一番茶 静岡が首位奪還 好天に恵まれ生産量32％増 抹茶人気、平均単価急騰：ニュース - 中日BIZナビ