Jeju’s Sumang Expands Global Footprint With Premium Green Tea

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Clean Jeju Green Tea Agricultural Cooperative, better known as ‘Sumang’, has revealed that it is expanding its global presence with Hojicha, the recently launched premium organic green tea, and matcha produced on Jeju Island.

Founded in 2007, Sumang cultivates tea in soil rich in maekbanseok (a type of igneous rock) minerals, located near the sea with a mild climate and frequent fog that provides abundant moisture, in which this unique environment makes it an ideal location for tea farming.

According to a statement, the cooperative’s main products are green tea and matcha, with exports steadily increasing overseas.

Demand for matcha has grown significantly amid rising global interest in health and wellness. Sumang’s exports to the United States continue to climb, and enquiries have also been on the rise from international buyers as the cooperative also participated in the Jeju–Vietnam Market Development Delegation last year to further strengthen its overseas presence.

Last month, Sumang launched a new product, Hojicha, a roasted green tea known for its deep, nutty aroma and lower caffeine content, which is appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Additionally, Sumang’s tea garden produces matcha in three distinct grades, namely Ceremonial, Premium, and Superior, allowing consumers to choose products that best suit their preferences. With specialised tencha-line machinery for matcha processing, the cooperative ensures superior taste and aroma compared to other products in the market.

While focusing mainly on business-to-business (B2B) distribution channels, Sumang’s next goal is to expand direct-to-consumer sales through its own online store and e-commerce platforms and hopes to make its high-quality products available at more affordable prices to consumers worldwide.

-- BERNAMA