Our Story

FAMILY
OWNED
SINCE
1888

Family owned and operated for over 130 years, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of Japanese Matcha green tea. Aiya is headquartered in the city of Nishio of Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, where the finest Matcha green tea has been grown for over 800 years. The company is currently managed by the 5th generation of the Sugita family with full-service sales and resource offices in 5 different countries across the world.

PIONEERED BY
AIJIRO SUGITA

Aiya was founded in 1888 by Aijiro Sugita as a local shop specializing in dyes and teas. Aiya, the nickname of the shop which later became the company’s official name, was given because the shop carried aidama, an indigo-colored dye used on kimonos. Five generations and over 130 years later, Aijiro’s legacy continues with Aijiro IV, the Chairman of Aiya Japan; Takeo, the President of Aiya Japan; and Fumi, the President of Aiya America.

OVER 130
YEARS OF
INNOVATION

In its early days, the primary focus was on the production of dyes and Gyokuro green tea. Aijiro eventually moved the business toward producing a more premium tea varietal, Matcha green tea. He teamed up with local tea producers to cultivate new fields and worked tremendously hard to improve the technology of stone granite grinder mills. His innovations to centuries-old technology are still used in today’s modern production facilities.

TIMELINE

1888

Aiya is founded by Aijiro Sugita, who opened a local tea store.

1922

The partnership firm Aiya Tea Shop was founded. Aijiro II takes over the company.

1935

New headquarters and factory built.

1950

Aiya Co., Ltd. was founded. Aijiro III takes over the company.

1978

Organic tea farm is launched in Toyota. Japan’s first cultivation of organic green tea begins.

1983

Aiya starts exporting Matcha powder to North America.

1985

Aiya's Quality Control department is established – a first of its kind in the Matcha industry!

1988

Aiya celebrates its 100th anniversary. Aijiro IV takes over the company.

1997

Aiya becomes the first Matcha producer to obtain the JONA organic certification.

1999

Aiya receives the ISO 9002 certification.

2001

Aiya America opens in New York under Takeo and Fumi Sugita. Aiya Europe opens in Vienna.

2002

Aiya receives the OCIA and IMO organic certifications, and the ISO 9001 production certification.

2004

Aiya America relocates from New York to Los Angeles.

2005

Aiya opens a branch in Zhejiang for Chinese domestic supply.

2007

Aiya receives the AIB Food Safety Audit certification with the highest rating of “Superior”.

2008

Aiya receives the ISO 22000 certification – another first for the Matcha industry.

2009

Aiya America launches its retail brand, Aiya Matcha.

2011

Aiya unifies under OMIC for JAS, NOP, and EU organic certification recognition.

2014

Aiya obtains the highly regarded FSSC 22000 certification.

2015

Aiya builds a new Matcha facility to meet the growing global demand for Matcha.

2016

Aiya receives the coveted Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Project Verified certifications.

2017

Aiya Thailand opens in Bangkok.

2019

Takeo Sugita takes over the company.

FARMERS

PRIDE

Aiya takes pride in its tea farmers, who are an important part of the Aiya family.

LOYALTY

Most of the tea farmers have worked exclusively with Aiya for multiple generations.

DEDICATION

Dedicated to the wellness of its farmers, Aiya purchases the entire annual crop, ensuring their ongoing income even if a single crop cannot be used.

FUTURE

Aiya truly enjoys its long-term relationships and looks forward to collaborating with the next generation of its tea farmers.