This is one of the first things we work through with new wholesale partners. Getting the volume right matters — too little and you’re reordering constantly, too much and you’re storing powder that loses freshness.
Whether you’re opening a new matcha line or switching suppliers, a clear monthly number keeps your food cost predictable and your bar team stocked through busy weekends. Here’s the framework we use with cafes across the U.S.
A simple framework
Each drink uses roughly 4–6g of matcha powder. At 40 drinks per day, 5g each, you’re using 200g per day. Over 25 business days a month, that’s 5kg/month.
Use this as a starting point, then adjust for your actual recipes — a 12 oz oat matcha latte may use more powder than an 8 oz hot latte, and bakery or pastry programs add separate demand.
| Cafe profile | Daily matcha drinks | Typical monthly volume |
|---|---|---|
| Single-location specialty cafe | 30–50 drinks/day | ~5kg/month |
| High-traffic or multi-SKU menu | 80–120 drinks/day | 10–15kg/month |
| Multi-location or high-volume sites | 150+ drinks/day across sites | 30–50kg/month |
At 30–50kg/month, pricing typically changes and a monthly supply agreement makes sense. You’re also in territory where lot consistency and dedicated account support matter more than squeezing the last cent per gram.
If you also bake with matcha or run a retail bag program, add those grams separately — a busy pastry case can add 1–2kg/month on its own.
Buffer stock
We recommend keeping at least 2 weeks of inventory on hand — so if your monthly usage is 10kg, you want 5kg safety stock before your next delivery lands.
Why two weeks? Matcha shipments from Japan typically need lead time for freight and customs. A holiday rush, a delayed container, or a sudden menu push can burn through powder faster than a just-in-time reorder allows.
- Storage: Cool, dry, away from direct light and heat — not above the espresso machine.
- Opened tins: Reseal tightly; use opened stock within a few weeks for best color in the cup.
- Shelf life: Matcha stored in a cool, dry place holds well for 12–24 months when sealed and nitrogen-flushed.
Track usage for two weeks at peak and slow periods before you lock in a subscription size. Your Tuesday volume and your Saturday volume are often not the same.
Subscription sizing at Yuminaga
Our Matcha Haru subscription starts at 10kg/month with automatic monthly shipments. We ship from our Saitama facility with roughly a 1-week lead time to the U.S. east or west coast depending on your location.
For partners above 10kg/month, we can align subscription volume to your actual usage — 15kg, 25kg, 40kg, or custom — so you’re not stuck with a tier that doesn’t match your menu. Locked pricing and predictable delivery reduce the admin load on your ops team.
New to wholesale matcha? Pair volume planning with the right grade for your drinks. Our matcha grades guide for cafes explains ceremonial, premium, and culinary in menu terms.
If you’re not sure where you land, reach out and we’ll help you estimate based on your menu — it’s a 5-minute conversation. Email us at headoffice@yuminagafoods.com.