Clean Jeju Green Tea Cooperative, known by its brand name Sumang, has unveiled a sophisticated new grading system for its matcha products, marking a significant step toward expanding its premium tea offerings. The introduction of three distinct matcha grades — Ceremonial, Premium, and Superior — reflects the cooperative’s commitment to meeting diverse consumer preferences, from traditional tea ceremonies to daily wellness routines. This strategic move not only enhances product differentiation but also positions Sumang as a competitive force in the high-end global tea market.
A New Standard for Jeju’s Premium Matcha
Located on South Korea’s pristine Jeju Island, Sumang has long been synonymous with quality and sustainability in the green tea industry. Green Tea The cooperative operates under a fully integrated one-stop system, handling everything from cultivation and processing to packaging and sales. This vertical structure ensures traceability and consistency, crucial factors in maintaining the integrity of premium tea.
With the new grading system, Sumang aims to offer clarity and confidence to consumers while elevating its brand image. The Ceremonial Grade is designed for traditional tea ceremonies, emphasizing smoothness, depth of flavor, and vibrant color — qualities prized by tea connoisseurs. Green Tea The Premium Grade caters to consumers seeking high-quality matcha for lattes, desserts, or wellness beverages, balancing taste and versatility. Meanwhile, the Superior Grade provides an accessible option for everyday consumption without compromising on the signature freshness and aroma of Jeju-grown matcha.
According to a Sumang representative, the goal of the grading system is to “help consumers understand the nuanced differences in flavor and purpose, while maintaining transparency and trust in the brand’s premium positioning.”
Precision and Innovation in Matcha Production
At the core of Sumang’s operations is its state-of-the-art tencha production line, which plays a pivotal role in producing top-tier matcha. Tencha — the shaded green tea leaves ground into fine powder to create matcha — requires precise cultivation and processing conditions.Green Tea By investing in advanced equipment and maintaining stringent quality control measures, Sumang ensures that the texture, color, and aroma of its matcha remain consistently exceptional.
The cooperative also emphasizes the importance of Jeju Island’s unique terroir, where volcanic soil, clean air, and abundant rainfall create optimal growing conditions for tea plants. This natural environment, coupled with organic farming practices, results in matcha that is rich in umami flavor and packed with antioxidants.
Sumang’s production process follows environmentally responsible principles, using organic cultivation methods that eliminate synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The result is a clean, sustainable product that aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious beverages.
Expanding Access to Premium Tea
While Sumang has traditionally operated through business-to-business (B2B) channels, supplying tea to cafes, restaurants, and specialty retailers, Green Tea the cooperative is now accelerating efforts to reach individual consumers. This direct-to-consumer (D2C) expansion strategy includes the launch of an official online store and partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms, allowing global customers to conveniently purchase Jeju-grown matcha directly from the source.
This strategic shift reflects broader industry trends, where premium tea brands are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to enhance visibility and engage directly with consumers. By focusing on digital transformation, Sumang aims to communicate its story — from Jeju’s lush tea fields to the final cup — and foster a deeper emotional connection with tea enthusiasts worldwide.
The cooperative also plans to expand its distribution network beyond Korea, targeting international markets where the demand for authentic, high-quality matcha is on the rise. This includes collaborations with importers, boutique tea shops, and wellness brands interested in natural, organic ingredients.
Commitment to Quality, Affordability, and Sustainability
Sumang’s mission extends beyond simply producing premium matcha. The cooperative seeks to make high-quality tea accessible at fair prices by optimizing production efficiency and reducing distribution costs. By maintaining control over the entire supply chain, Sumang can balance sustainability with affordability — ensuring that customers enjoy exceptional tea without excessive markups.
The cooperative’s dedication to quality assurance is evident in every stage of production. From handpicking tender tea leaves to using low-temperature stone milling for grinding, each process is designed to preserve the delicate flavor compounds and nutrients that define superior matcha. Regular quality testing and sensory evaluations guarantee that every batch meets Sumang’s stringent standards for taste, color, and aroma.
A Vision Rooted in Jeju’s Tea Heritage
Jeju Island has a long-standing tradition of green tea cultivation, and Sumang is deeply committed to honoring and advancing that legacy. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, the cooperative embodies the balance between heritage and innovation.
In addition to producing premium matcha, Sumang continues to invest in research and development, exploring new tea varieties, blends, and functional beverages that align with global wellness trends. The cooperative also supports local farmers and communities, ensuring that Jeju’s tea culture remains vibrant and sustainable for future generations.
The Future of Sumang Matcha
As Sumang continues to refine its product lineup and expand its global footprint, its focus remains steadfast on promoting authentic, organic Jeju matcha as a symbol of purity and excellence. The newly introduced grading system not only strengthens its brand identity but also sets a new benchmark for transparency and consumer education in the premium tea sector.
By uniting ethical farming, advanced processing, and consumer-centered innovation, Sumang stands poised to make Jeju Island a world-renowned hub for high-quality matcha. Whether enjoyed in a traditional ceremony, a modern café, or a home kitchen, Sumang’s teas invite consumers to experience the true essence of Jeju — one cup at a time.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
