Our Story

Our History

Our story begins over a century ago when founder Yasutaro Honda cultivated fertile lands and established a tea plantation. With determination and passion, he laid the foundation for AOI Tea. The legacy continued with the second generation, Akiharu Honda, who not only upheld the traditions of Nishio Tea but also expanded its reach across the nation.

In the year 2000, Tadahiko Honda, the third generation, transformed AOI Tea into AOI Tea Yugen Kaisha, transitioning from a manufacturing company to a wholesale distributor. The vision for growth led us to the United States in 2007, where Ayano Honda, the fourth-generation leader, founded AOI Matcha. Under her guidance, our presence in the U.S. market flourished.

In 2015, Tadateru Honda took the reins as the fifth president of the board, steering our journey to new horizons. Today, our dynamic team, led by Tadateru Honda and Michio Nakane, is committed to expanding our global footprint. We’re reaching out to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, sharing the rich heritage of matcha with the world. Join us on this remarkable journey through the world of AOI Matcha.

Milestone

A Brand that is Rooted in Meaning

The emblem of AOI Matcha features a standing hollyhock, a significant family crest within the Honda lineage and the foundational motif of the “hollyhock crest” associated with the Tokugawa shoguns. In this emblem, three upright hollyhocks represent distinct elements: “customers,” “business partners,” and “AOI Matcha” itself. This emblem embodies our heartfelt aspiration for our collective growth and prosperity, uniting these elements as one.

From Our Lands to Your Hands

Ayano, the fourth-generation member of the Honda family, harbored a vision of introducing Nishio’s exceptional tea to the United States. This vision materialized in 2007 with the establishment of AOI Matcha, our inaugural overseas subsidiary, nestled in Huntington Beach, California. The strategic choice of Southern California, home to the bustling Port of Los Angeles, renowned as a major West Coast port, was influenced by its climate, which remains consistently conducive to maintaining matcha quality.

Our presence in Southern California is fortified by not one, but two well-positioned warehouses, including one in the suburbs of Los Angeles, allowing us to efficiently distribute our matcha throughout the United States. Furthermore, we proactively engage with our audience by hosting regular tastings and participating in trade shows across the nation, actively advancing our mission.

Our Mission

At AOI Matcha, our mission is clear and profound: we aim to simplify the incorporation of matcha, a superfood brimming with remarkable health benefits, into the daily lives of everyone. Matcha stands out among teas with its time-honored tradition of being finely powdered tea leaves, allowing us to directly benefit from its rich nutrients. Moreover, matcha contains theanine, a natural compound known for its calming properties.

Yet, our mission extends beyond health and flavor. We believe in the power of tea to forge connections among individuals and communities. Throughout history, tea has served as a conduit for human connections, exemplified by the samurai who would leave their swords outside and come together to partake in the tea ceremony. This philosophy of deepening connections, which has guided us for a century, remains unwavering in our commitment to fostering unity among people and communities.

Our Hospitality

Matcha Seminar in California

Become a Bulk / Wholesale Partner

If you have not shopped through AOI Tea before, you can register for an account in moments. Once you have registered, your details will be stored securely for future orders and you will be contacted with account & ordering information. You will be contacted by an AOI representative who will confirm your wholesale status, upon successful registration.

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