Sugimoto Tea
ActiveOverview
Sugimoto Tea Company is a U.S.-based importer and distributor of Japanese green teas, including sencha, matcha, and organic varieties, sourced from its parent company in Japan. It supplies retail grocery stores, wholesale clients, foodservice, and private label manufacturers in the U.S. and internationally. The company operates as a third-generation family business focused on authentic Japanese teas with certifications for safety and quality.1234
History
Sugimoto Tea Company traces its origins to 1946 when Zenichi Sugimoto founded Sugimoto Seicha in Shizuoka, Japan, hand-making tea delivered by bike post-WWII, leading to factory expansion due to demand. The second generation, Hiroyuki Sugimoto, took over in 1978 and won the Shizuoka Prefectural Tea Competition, National Blind Tea Tasting Championship, and Agricultural Ministry Award in 1986. The U.S. branch was established around 2004-2008 by Kyohei Sugimoto, third-generation family member, to import high-quality Japanese teas to America.134
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Loose Leaf Teas | Authentic Japanese green teas for home brewing | $10 - $50 |
| Matcha Powders | Ceremonial and culinary grade matcha | $20 - $100 |
| Organic Teas | Certified organic Japanese green teas | $15 - $60 |
| Tea Bags | Convenient bagged Japanese teas | $5 - $20 |
| Wholesale Ingredients | Bulk tea for foodservice and manufacturing | $5 - $30 per lb |
| Private Label Teas | Custom OEM tea production | Contact for quote |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured by parent company Sugimoto Seicha in Shizuoka, Japan, at the family factory near Mt. Fuji, with the U.S. entity handling importation, distribution, and some processing like blending or packaging. They hold international certifications for product safety and are among the first to produce and import certified organic teas.134
Notable Products
- Sencha - Steamed green tea, core product from Shizuoka plantations.
- Ceremonial Matcha - High-grade powdered green tea for traditional preparation.
- Organic Asamiya Sencha - Certified organic steamed green tea variant.
- Hojicha - Roasted green tea with nutty flavor.
- Genmaicha - Green tea blended with roasted rice.
Reputation
Sugimoto Tea is regarded by tea enthusiasts for its authentic Japanese green teas directly from family producers in Shizuoka, with strong heritage from award-winning makers. Professionals value its wholesale, private label, and organic offerings with safety certifications. Limited criticisms noted, mainly scale compared to larger importers, but praised for quality consistency.123