Shandong Rizhao: Overseas Orders in the Matcha Workshop

During the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, matcha enters its peak sales season. A 40 ton matcha order from Japan has kept the matcha production workshop at the Rizhao Tea Science and Technology Innovation Demonstration Park exceptionally busy. A group of workers here are quietly guarding this green “Chinese flavor”.

Deng Xuezhi is a technical R&D specialist at Rizhao Matcha Holding Group Co., Ltd. The full production schedule throughout the Spring Festival holiday keeps him working nonstop.

According to Deng, the company has received numerous orders from both domestic and international markets, with delivery required by March. The team is working overtime to fulfill the orders on schedule.

Upon entering the workshop, he acts like an “on-site equipment inspector”. He first carefully inspects the working environment, checking ventilation and lighting, then examines the automatic packaging machine, feeding machine and conveyor belt one by one. Only after verifying the day’s production plan does he officially start work.

“The matcha production process is highly complex, and every procedure matters. A tiny detail in equipment operation can affect matcha quality. That’s why I spend extra time inspecting the equipment to ensure stable and standardized operation,” Deng explained.

To ensure accurate portioning for each bag of matcha, Deng runs 3 to 5 test fills with standard containers, repeatedly checking that the weight error stays within ±0.5%. If the tolerance is exceeded, he patiently adjusts the discharge opening or vibration frequency until the requirements are fully met.

“Gaining entry into the international market is no easy task. We cherish every order. Overseas customers attach great importance to details, so we strive for excellence in every step to showcase the craftsmanship of China’s tea industry,” Deng said.

Small as matcha is, it embodies meticulous effort. Last year, Rizhao matcha was exported to the United Kingdom for the first time. Later, German merchants visited Lanshan District and placed a 100 ton order for overseas warehouse storage.

Today, with growing demand for highquality matcha at home and abroad, the production line runs even busier, serving as a vivid example of the transformation and upgrading of Rizhao’s tea industry.