The Specialty Matcha Podcast is hosted by Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li, cofounders of Sanko Matcha Products. We discuss the growth in popularity of matcha, innovatio...
On this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun talk to Jacque from Jacque and Matcha based in Manila, the Philippines. We discuss pop ups, the rise of specialty matcha, Filipino matcha preferences and the launch of her new brand.
--------
51:01
Battles to be Won
Episode Summary:
Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore how specialty matcha can go mainstream, drawing lessons from specialty coffee. They discuss the role of major brands, the need for consumer education, quality standards, and innovative preparation methods to grow the global matcha community.
--------
38:46
What is Authentic Matcha? Opinion
Modern advancements in farming, breeding, and production reveal that matcha is far from being a relic of the past—it is a dynamic and evolving tradition. Although the matcha enjoyed today differs from what earlier generations experienced, it maintains a lineage of ongoing development. These changes arise from the interplay of industry, market forces, and culture, creating a vibrant and interconnected community that continually influences and redefines itself.
This adaptability is what defines matcha’s authenticity. Authenticity isn’t about freezing traditions in time but about a culture’s capacity to evolve, grow, and stay relevant. Matcha’s true authenticity lies in its transformation, not in clinging to a fixed, idealized version of the past.
https://omsom.com/blogs/second-menu/how-calling-for-authenticity-can-be-a-burden?srsltid=AfmBOop7WVHOrUMzY6UuV2vxfxnIIm6DcROU60Mjn1Pw7ADtqJZW4-Ux
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dGSrCp4Y8RVzqL96MBkNp?si=b77ed26e223e43b6
--------
54:33
Are Poetic Matcha Names Harmful?
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li delve into the complexities and confusions surrounding poetic matcha names. They discuss how these names can mislead consumers, the cultural context of matcha consumption, and the need for transparency in the industry. The conversation highlights the potential harm to consumers and farmers alike, as well as the importance of evolving the naming conventions to better serve a modern audience. The hosts advocate for a shift towards more descriptive and transparent labeling to enhance consumer understanding and appreciation of matcha.
https://kyotojournal.org/tea-food-2/much-ado-about-matcha/
--------
58:12
Interview with Tea for Me Please, Nicole
In this conversation, Ryan and Nicole from Tea for Me Please discuss the evolution of matcha in the US, the impact of influencer culture on tea, and the importance of building relationships within the tea community. They explore the challenges of maintaining consumer interest in tea, the role of online communities, and the future trends in the matcha landscape, including the growing demand for transparency and quality in matcha products.
https://www.teaformeplease.com/
The Specialty Matcha Podcast is hosted by Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li, cofounders of Sanko Matcha Products. We discuss the growth in popularity of matcha, innovation, and matcha science. We also interview thought leaders, tea merchants, and tea educators to discuss everything from sourcing, processing, blending, milling, storytelling, health claims, and much more.
Sanko Matcha Products is a startup dedicated to using functional design to create contemporary matcha gear and the use of new technology to innovate the matcha milling process.