Marukyu Koyamaen has a list of unauthorized resellers on their website here. This was in response to a rise in inquiries about the authenticity of matcha sold on various websites, as well as the growing number of resellers charging exorbitant prices.
In our view, these unauthorized resellers create multiple issues—for Marukyu Koyamaen, customers, and legitimate distributors. The quality of the matcha cannot be verified. It may be old (stockpiled to sell at a higher price when supply runs low), or the packaging may be counterfeit (meaning the matcha might not be from Marukyu Koyamaen at all). Prices are often inflated, taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers. In some cases, these resellers purchase matcha at retail with the intent to resell at higher prices. I have personally witnessed this activity at matcha shops in Uji, where agents of resellers change costumes to re-enter the line multiple times in an effort to purchase more than the limited allotments set by producers. These tactics take valuable inventory away from genuine customers and worsen the problem.
Occasionally, someone asks if we are an authorized distributor of Marukyu Koyamaen. The answer is yes. The story? In 2016 we lived in Kyoto and developed a love for their matcha and other teas. Fast forward a few years, when we needed more matcha for our budding food business, our first choice was Marukyu Koyamaen. We reached out to them through a contact, established a relationship, and have been sourcing matcha from them ever since.
As further evidence, below is the top of a recent order receipt. Note, some contact information has been removed.
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