In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why matcha is becoming so popular
- How RTD formats are a user-friendly and convenient service model for matcha
- How private label matcha partners can optimise your product launch
For drinks businesses, it seems like the landscape is constantly changing. Consumers are always looking for new flavours and formats, which means businesses need to be more agile than ever before. One example of this rapid market expansion is the rise of matcha, which has rapidly become one of the most in-demand drinks.
There are several choices when it comes to offering matcha to customers. While fresh service is an ideal format for coffee shops and bars, private label matcha is a great way to balance refreshing flavour notes with convenient on-the-go consumption. As such, it’s one of the most accessible – and fruitful – options for drinks businesses launching a matcha product.
To learn more about the benefits of private label matcha and how it can benefit drinks businesses, I spoke to André Eiermann. He is a keynote speaker, author, and Global Product Manager for Coffee at Melitta Professional. Read on for his insight.
The rising demand for private label matcha drinks
For coffee shops and hospitality businesses, matcha is one of the fastest-growing drinks you can offer. The global market is currently valued at $4.3 billion, and in the past year, matcha sales in the United Kingdom have increased by over 114%.
Therefore, it’s a drink that is only rising in popularity, no matter how you serve it. Its functional profile is also a major driver. The natural combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha is well-documented for supporting calm, focused energy – a big appeal for younger consumers seeking alternatives to sugary energy drinks.
“The rise of matcha is impossible to miss,” André tells me. “It’s one of the fastest-growing beverage trends I’ve seen in my career, and social media has played a huge role in accelerating it.”
Often, this presents a key opportunity for coffee shops to diversify their menu and tap into a new trend. “Scrolling through the Instagram feeds of top-notch specialty coffee shops around the world, you now see matcha lattes present alongside high-end coffee beverages,” he says. “They’re made with the same craftsmanship, storytelling, and care as competition-level coffees.”
While there’s certainly demand for specialty matcha, quick service and convenient form factors are incredibly important when it comes to takeaway orders. Convenience is arguably the biggest factor for any coffee shop, so your matcha needs to be efficient to prepare and serve.
“I’m seeing a shift from traditional, freshly-whisked matcha to batched and chilled matcha for faster service – even in high-end coffee shops,” André says. “The next evolution seems to be iced and flavoured matcha lattes all over: blueberry, mango, and strawberry are already omnipresent. But ready-to-go canned matcha lattes, sealed on site, are the big thing.”
Why RTDs are great for private label matcha
As André mentioned, canned RTD matcha lattes are the next major trend in matcha consumption. Often canned, sealed, and then refrigerated, coffee shops can stock matcha latte cans alongside their freshly made drinks as an additional consumer touchpoint.
It’s important to know which demographics you’re targeting with RTD private label matcha. Customers who are willing to quickly grab a can to drink on the go may have different priorities than those who wait in line for a fresh matcha latte. “You need to research who your RTD matcha customers really are, and what they value most,” he says.
Primarily, the main benefit of RTD matcha is the convenience aspect. It’s not only more convenient for customers, but also for coffee shops. “Whisking each drink individually isn’t at all practical during peak hours, so many coffee shops are already batching and chilling matcha,” he explains.
By launching a line of RTD products, you can save on storage space by not needing to store large batches of pre-prepared matcha – especially if you have to dispose of any leftover product at the end of a day. Equally, you can ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety regulations. “Many coffee shops currently batch-make matcha, which isn’t always hygienic or technically sound,” he says.
The flavour profiles you target may be different from freshly made matcha as well. “RTD brands may lean towards sweeter, more commercial flavour profiles,” André says. “Think syrups, added sugar, and flavoured blends.” Before committing to an RTD order, you need to determine which flavours your customers prefer to adjust your formulations accordingly. RTD formulations also help ensure flavour stability over time, which is harder to maintain with daily batching.
How private label manufacturers can help with your product launch
Often, drink brands work with private label manufacturers for their RTD products – and the same goes for private label matcha. Companies like Hardtank offer shelf-stable, hygienic formulations for RTD matcha lattes, letting you minimise your development and production costs without compromising on flavour. Because the formulation and canning process are already validated, brands can scale safely without building in-house production or navigating complex compliance steps.
“Working with a reliable private label partner helps to ensure food safety, consistency, and shelf stability,” André says. “All three are very critical in our F&B industry.” For instance, Hardtank’s matcha RTDs have an eight-month shelf life and use natural ingredients and flavourings for an authentic flavour profile.
Sourcing private label matcha instead of formulating RTDs in-house is also a much faster process. Most private label manufacturers offer turnaround times of six weeks or less, since they already have the required food safety and compliance certification to launch new products to the market.
Especially if you’re launching on-trend RTDs like matcha lattes, that speed is essential. It means you can penetrate the market faster than your competitors and cement your reputation as an innovator.
André has one key piece of advice for brands launching their own private label matcha RTDs. “If you can secure a clean, high-quality base that aligns with your brand values, it’s a huge advantage,” he says. Therefore, you need partners who prioritise flavour, hygiene, and natural ingredients.
In conclusion, private label matcha is an effective strategy for businesses looking to meet the latest trends without relying on daily fresh service. Your time-to-market is much faster, you can easily comply with market regulations, and you can position yourself as a company that listens to its customers.
If you’re considering adding matcha to your lineup, this is why private label RTD formats are one of the most strategic paths.
Private label matcha: Key takeaways
- Matcha demand is surging globally, mostly driven by younger generations and social media.
- RTD matcha is a way to offer fast service, consistent flavour, and convenient on-the-go consumption for customers.
- Working with private label manufacturers can speed up your time to market and ensure you comply with hygiene and safety standards.
Ready to launch your own private label matcha RTD? Explore our private label services here or speak with a member of the team to learn more.
Private label matcha FAQ
Why choose private label matcha instead of fresh service?
Private label services reduce your preparation time, since you can offer canned RTD in refrigerators rather than preparing every drink manually. For high-volume coffee shops, it can ease pressure on staff during peak hours.
How long does it take to launch private label matcha?
It varies, but leading manufacturers offer turnaround times of four to six weeks, depending on design approval and formulation.
Can private label matcha help my coffee shop stand out?
Yes – it functions not only as an additional consumer touchpoint, but it can set you apart from competitors by being early to the latest drinks trends.
Want to learn more about our private label services?
- Learn more: Discover our private label process.
- Choose your products: Browse our flavours and formats.
- Book a session with an RTD expert: Contact our team here.
