Our story

About MotherMatcha

MotherMatcha is a South African matcha brand built on authenticity — sourcing directly from small, family-run Japanese farms to bring ceremonial-grade, small-batch matcha to our community. Each release is thoughtfully crafted, celebrating the people, stories, and traditions behind every sip.

Where It All Began — A Matcha Moment in Copenhagen

It started with a cup of matcha in Copenhagen — and an unexpected love affair that would take me across the world.

I’ve always been a tea lover, but in 2017 I tried authentic Japanese matcha for the first time. I was on a trip through Copenhagen, Denmark with my mom, and tucked into the quiet residential streets, we visited a vegan café called Souls (sadly, now closed). Already a fan of green tea, I saw Matcha on the menu, and naturally gave it a try. I liked it so much that I ordered another for take away, even though it was way over my South Africam budget. I still look back at the photo I took that day, cup in hand, neat little streets in the backdrop — not knowing how much that small moment would shape the future.

The Search for Real Matcha in South Africa

After the start of this little love affair, I struggled to find real, high-quality matcha in South Africa. I resorted to buying different well-known Japanese brands during my travels — which became a bit of a collector’s ritual I still keep up today. 

Slowly the demand changed, and more cafe's in South Africa now offer Matcha. But yet again, most of them serve something that is so far from the real thing. 

Fast forward ten years. My business partners and I launched a coffee business, and we team wanted to bring a matcha product to market. So we did — but to be honest, the product wasn’t up to my standards. After selling about 30 units, I made the call to stop selling, and remove the product. 

I wasn’t willing to push yet another average matcha just to make money or ride the trend.

A Journey to Japan

We promised ourselves that if we were going to launch a true matcha brand, we’d take our time with every step of the process. This was never about trends — it was about integrity.

Finding genuine direct-sourcing partners in Japan turned out to be harder than expected. So, we booked our flights. Because for us, it’s always been about the people, not just the product.

I reached out to a dear friend in Japan, and through him we were welcomed into a community of farmers, journalists, and tea lovers. Together, we rented a tiny car and drove the winding roads of Japan’s tea-growing regions, visiting farmers in person.

Huddled on tatami floors, we talked for hours about life, death, and everything in between. I left each home with a deep sense of connection and gratitude.

More Than a Drink — A Community of Makers

That kindness and generosity reminded me what MotherMatcha truly stands for. It’s not about us, or even just the drink. It’s about everyone who makes up this story — the farmers, the friends, and now, you.

Each product in our range represents a limited, small-batch seasonal release from one of these farmers — a way for you to journey through the rolling tea hills of Japan, one sip at a time. Each region, each farm, and each generation’s knowledge contributes to the subtle, moving differences in taste and character.

The Birth of MotherMatcha

Our story isn’t unique. But we know our product is.

This brand is a co-creation — between the soil, the farmers, and the hands that whisk it into being. We invite you to be part of that circle.

x
Steph