Surging local demand for matcha is driving up drink prices, local cafe owners have said.
Independent cafes in Highbury say they are paying significantly more for matcha as rising demand continues to outpace supply.
Currently, a matcha drink costs an average of £4.50.
“The matcha we buy has seen a 30-40% price increase,” said a barista in Profile cafe.
Many cafes have increased their prices in response, but owners say inflation has surpassed what they can reasonably charge.
“If we increased the price of our matcha to match what we buy it for, it would cost around £8, but we cannot charge our customers that,” said the barista.
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years due to perceived health benefits and striking appearance, as circulated on social media.
Most cafes use ceremonial grade matcha as it has the most intense green colour and caffeine content, but in Japan, where most is produced, suppliers are struggling to meet global demand.
UK demand for the tea has been growing since 2020, however this year has seen a 114% sales increase – the highest on record.
However, cafes say that Highbury’s consumption stands out.
“Highbury customers seem more health-oriented, so matcha sales are higher here,” said another independent cafe.
Ella is an MA Newspaper Journalism student at City St George's university. She also works as a news reporter for Pharmafile, a health and pharmaceutical magazine.