Our Story
Why we do it
Matcha, your super green tea
Co-founders, cousins and first-generation Kiwis, May and Enna (right), were frustrated by the lack of good matcha in New Zealand so they created Thea. The idea started in early 2015 to create a dedicated matcha cafe, but New Zealand was not ready for it. Back then, the market was only selling culinary grade matcha that was the standard. When they started, they had set out to modernise the way you make matcha by offering an electric whisk as the choice of tool instead of bamboo whisks to make it approachable and easy. Since 2016 they have been curating their matcha and expanding the products available. The name Thea is from the amino acid L-Theanine found in green tea.
Sourced direct from Japan with the help of family, they believe in providing tea that tastes the way it should.
"If you’ve tasted matcha before, you may be thinking’ the benefits sound great, but it tasted bitter and grassy,’ The truth is, you’ve probably tried a culinary grade matcha, which is intended for cooking, Now if you try a premium quality, you’ll be able to taste the difference - smooth and delicate, with a delightful umami or savoury, full-mouth rounded flavour. The way matcha should be.” - Enna
Matcha, the Thea way
Being obsessed with the unique and delicious flavour of matcha they tasted and tested over 50 variants before settling on their signature flavour. We are still continuing to trial more variants so kiwis can have more choice.
Like wine or coffee, Matcha has differing notes and depths of flavour. Where it is harvested and how it is made are important.
"Tea is part of our rich history and culture. We are thankful to continue and explore our interpretation of it" - May
quick thea facts
why the name thea?
Green tea is part of the Theaceae family, has the 'happy' amino acid l'theanine and is tea with an 'h'. Thea also happens to mean goddess/ is a kick-ass Titaness. It was simple, relevant and captured the essence of what we wanted this venture to be.
where is your matcha from?
Our matcha is from Kyoto, Japan. Family in Japan helped us source from an organic farm that is JAS approved.
where is thea hq
We are based in Auckland, New Zealand.