In this article, you’ll learn:
- What the advantages are of white label matcha RTDs
- How you can adapt to market trends quickly and flexibly
- How the matcha RTD landscape is evolving – and what it means for you
The ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market is constantly changing, and in the past 18 months, matcha has been at the forefront. Once associated solely with specialty tea houses, it’s now one of the most popular drinks on the market thanks to its antioxidant content and clean energy profile. As a result, the demand for white label matcha RTDs has skyrocketed and is showing no signs of slowing.
White label matcha RTDs are a significant opportunity for drinks businesses to align with the new consumer trend. They allow you to scale your production easily, bypass lengthy formulation processes, and launch drinks more quickly than ever. Yet, launching white label matcha RTDs isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. It requires an understanding of flavour, texture, shelf life, and visual quality.
To learn more about the benefits of white label matcha RTDs, I spoke to Micah Manion. He is the founder of More Matcha, a matcha concentrate brand based in Australia. Read on for his insight.
What are the benefits of white label matcha RTDs?
The key advantages of sourcing white label matcha RTDs are your speed to market and lower development costs compared to in-house formulation. Traditionally, these processes can be time-consuming and expensive, eating into your profit margins and delaying your launch.
“Private label matcha RTDs give brands a quicker way into the category without having to build everything from scratch,” Micah tells me. “You get speed, flexibility, and control over how the product shows up in the market, from branding and pricing through to who it’s actually for.”
These factors are especially important for matcha RTDs because the sector is evolving quickly. Matcha exports from Japan have tripled between 2010 and 2023, and the global market is growing at a rate of 7.5% annually. It’s a trend that isn’t going anywhere soon, so having a reliable, cost-effective solution is vital for drinks brands.
That said, increased market interest means more competition – and more difficulty standing out. That’s another way white label partners can help, by assisting with formulation, design, and logistics.
“For us, the biggest benefit is ownership,” Micah continues. “Brands can create something that genuinely fits their audience rather than forcing a generic product into their range. It also allows for exclusivity, which matters more than ever in retail and hospitality.”
Working with manufacturers who have proven experience with white label matcha RTDs can help you navigate common pitfalls. “Matcha doesn’t hide flaws,” Micah explains. “Colour, flavour, and texture are obvious from the first sip. Private label works best when it’s built on a high-quality, proven base. When the foundation is right, RTDs become a strong way to scale without compromising the product.”
Evidently, for drinks businesses in retail or hospitality, white label matcha RTDs are a significant opportunity for growth. You need to choose a reputable partner that can balance scalable manufacturing with high-quality ingredients and food safety processes.
How white label matcha RTDs help brands adapt to market trends
Matcha’s growth can be attributed in no small part to changing lifestyle priorities among younger generations. Particularly among Gen Z and millennials, consumers buy food and drink that align with their wellness and health goals.
Matcha is uniquely suited to these market trends, from its antioxidant content to its natural energy boost and low sugar. That said, consumer demands shift rapidly. Brands need a working method, like white label manufacturing, that allows them to iterate without long development cycles.
“Private label RTDs give brands room to move,” Micah says. “Consumer preferences change quickly, especially around function, caffeine alternatives, and sugar levels. Having a flexible format makes it easier to respond.”
By outsourcing your matcha RTD manufacturing, you can also lean on their expertise to explore new formulations as they emerge. “They allow brands to experiment with seasonal flavours, functional additions, and different formats for retail, gyms, or hospitality,” he says. This significantly expands the potential market for your products.
“More importantly, they encourage brands to think in systems rather than one-off launches,” he adds. “When the base product is consistent and scalable, innovation becomes much easier to manage.”
For pioneering drinks brands looking to diversify their product line, this is where white label matcha RTDs excel. They allow you to build out a range of products – from classic matcha to lightly flavoured variants or other functional drinks – without starting from scratch each time.
How will white label matcha RTDs evolve in the future?
While matcha began as a trend in wellness circles, it’s now developed into a dynamic, global beverage category. The RTD market is forecast to grow steadily, meaning matcha drinks will have more shelf space in 2026.
Inevitably, this growth leads to more competition and difficulty tapping into the market. “It’s a hard market to crack right now,” Micah says. “We’ve been successful because we started two years ago and invested in perfecting what the market wants and needs.”
In this environment, white label manufacturing offers a strategic advantage. It’s a more cost-effective way to enter the market, observe demand, and scale responsibly. Since you don’t need to invest in infrastructure or facilities, you can focus on marketing your key differentiators.
Evidently, white label matcha RTDs will become more important than ever in 2026 as the drink continues to grow in popularity. “We’re seeing matcha moving away from being a novelty and toward being part of people’s daily rituals, much like coffee,” Micah concludes. “Private label RTDs play an important role in that bigger picture when they’re approached thoughtfully and with a long-term mindset.”
White label matcha RTDs: Key takeaways
- White label matcha RTDs allow you to enter the market quickly without the cost, risk, or delays associated with in-house production.
- Speed to market is vital because the matcha RTD market is expanding rapidly, leading to increased competition.
- Working with a partner helps you standardise flavour, colour, and texture, which are crucial for customer satisfaction.
Looking to launch white label matcha RTDs in 2026? Hardtank’s private label solutions offer ready-to-market matcha formulas built on quality and consistency. From canning to packaging to logistics, we help drinks brands enter the market without cutting corners. Contact a member of the team to learn more.
White label matcha RTDs FAQ
What are white label matcha RTDs?
White label matcha RTDs are ready-to-drink matcha beverages produced by a third-party manufacturer with your company’s branding. They handle formulation, production, and manufacturing, while you control branding and distribution.
How is white label different from developing a matcha RTD in-house?
With a white label partner, you don’t need to invest in production facilities, specialist equipment, or lengthy R&D processes. It keeps your costs down to optimise your margins for matcha RTDs.
How quickly can a white label matcha RTD go to market?
It depends on the formulation and manufacturer you choose. Hardtank offers a lead time of four to six weeks after formulation approval.
Want to learn more about white label matcha RTDs?
- Explore our process: Learn about our private label solutions here.
- Choose your products: With our shop-to-go recipes and custom formulations.
- Speak to an RTD expert: Contact the Hardtank team here.
