A private-label matcha launch is not simply “put my logo on a tin.” The buyer must define the product, approve the matcha, choose a packaging format, calculate the real MOQ, prepare destination-appropriate artwork, review documents and approve the production specification.
Sailtik supports branded matcha projects using China-origin matcha from Guizhou or Zhejiang. Private-label projects generally start with 5A, 6A or 7A according to the intended use, customer position and target retail price.
Private label versus white label: define the scope
Suppliers use “private label,” “white label,” “OEM” and “custom packaging” differently. Do not rely on the term alone. Ask for a written scope stating what is standard, what can change, who supplies artwork, who reviews the label, what is packed, and which documents are included.
| Working term | Typical meaning | Question to settle |
|---|---|---|
| White label | An existing product offered under the buyer’s brand with limited product changes | Which product, package and label elements are already fixed? |
| Private label | A supplier product packed for one buyer’s brand, often with selected packaging options | What exactly can be customized? |
| OEM | Production to a buyer-defined specification or broader custom project | Who owns the formula, specification and validation work? |
| Bulk supply | Ingredient sold for the buyer’s operation or separate packing process | Who becomes responsible for final consumer packing? |
Sailtik’s confirmed offer is flexible B2B matcha supply plus private-label and custom-packaging project support. Unconfirmed formula development, special blends, sachets, gift boxes or regulatory consulting should not be assumed without a separate project review.
Who private-label matcha is suitable for
- Cafés: adding a take-home product after proving demand at the counter.
- Ecommerce brands: launching a focused matcha product with controlled first-run inventory.
- Retailers: adding a house-brand tea product for stores or online sales.
- Distributors: developing a regional brand with repeat-order planning and document requirements.
- Gift concepts: using premium positioning where the product, package and unboxing experience are aligned.
A new brand still at the idea stage may be better starting with samples and bulk validation before paying for printed packaging.
Step 1: write a one-page product brief
Before requesting a quote, define:
- Target customer and selling channel.
- Primary use: straight preparation, premium latte, gifting or another clearly stated use.
- Target retail price and brand position.
- Destination country and intended launch timing.
- Desired tin or pouch size and first-run units.
- Expected monthly sales and reorder pattern.
- Required documents and claims under consideration.
This brief prevents a common mistake: choosing a beautiful package before knowing whether the fill weight, product cost and target retail price can work together.
Step 2: choose the product position
| Sailtik grade | Confirmed position | Private-label starting use |
|---|---|---|
| 5A | Ceremonial and high-end drinks | Normal starting point for a premium branded retail product |
| 6A | Premium ceremonial and tea ceremony | Higher premium position or straight-drinking focus |
| 7A | Top ceremonial and luxury gifting | Highest-end position where the retail price can support it |
Each grade has three internal origin/model options with different color and sensory characteristics. Internal identifiers are not published. Sailtik selects relevant 10 g samples from Guizhou or Zhejiang after reviewing the project rather than sending all 21 variants.
Taste and color are subjective. Test selected samples in the way consumers will use the product. A premium latte brand and a straight-drinking brand should not approve samples with the same recipe.
Step 3: calculate packaging MOQ as kilograms
| Confirmed format | MOQ | Total fill at minimum |
|---|---|---|
| 30 g tin | 200 units | 6 kg |
| 50 g tin | 200 units | 10 kg |
| 80 g tin | 200 units | 16 kg |
| 100 g printed pouch | 300 units | 30 kg |
| 250 g printed pouch | 300 units | 75 kg |
| 500 g printed pouch | 300 units | 150 kg |
| 1 kg printed pouch | 300 units | 300 kg |
The confirmed printed-pouch range is 100 g–1 kg; the intermediate sizes are examples. A project may also need allowance for production setup, quality control, retained samples or normal loss. Final quantity and quotation are confirmed project by project.
Read the detailed matcha packaging comparison before choosing a format.
Step 4: build a complete project budget
The product quotation is only one part of the launch cost. Budget categories can include matcha, primary packaging, printing, label or artwork work, proofs or samples, filling and handling, secondary cartons, freight, duties, testing, marketplace setup and contingency.
Landed unit cost = all costs required to place saleable units in your warehouse ÷ accepted saleable units
Do not divide by the theoretical packaging quantity if some units are reserved, damaged or used for testing. For broader planning categories, see how much it costs to start a matcha brand.
Step 5: prepare artwork without unsupported claims
The brand is responsible for ensuring that the finished label is suitable for its destination and sales channel unless a written agreement assigns specific work elsewhere. Confirm the product name, ingredient statement, net quantity, responsible business, origin statement, storage instructions, lot/date coding, nutrition information and any required warnings or importer details.
Do not put “organic,” “Japanese,” “Uji,” health benefits or certification marks on the package without evidence that applies to the exact product and transaction. Sailtik’s disclosed matcha origins are Guizhou and Zhejiang, China.
Step 6: review product documents
Available Sailtik materials include an Allergen Declaration, CoA, Food Safety Management System Certificate, Halal Certificate, Heavy Metals Test Report, Non-GMO Declaration, Pesticide / Mycotoxin Residue Test Report and SDS.
Ask which document applies to the selected product or batch. A general certificate, laboratory report and consumer-label claim have different scopes. The buyer should identify destination-market requirements with a qualified reviewer.
Step 7: approve before production
| Approval | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|
| Matcha | Selected sample, evaluation record and agreed product specification |
| Package | Dimensions, construction, closure, finish and physical sample where available |
| Artwork | Final dated file and written approval |
| Documents | Applicable product, batch and certification records |
| Quantity and price | Final quotation stating units, fill weight and included services |
| Shipping | Destination, method, responsibility and receiving plan |
Packaging lead time, artwork responsibility, exact tin construction, pouch finish, gift-box availability and market-label support are not fixed public promises. Put the agreed details into the project quotation or specification.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sailtik’s private-label MOQ?
Custom tins start at 200 units in 30 g, 50 g or 80 g formats. Printed stand-up pouches from 100 g to 1 kg start at 300 units. Standard bulk matcha has no fixed MOQ, but it is a different supply format.
Can a new brand start with 200 units?
A confirmed tin project can start at 200 units, subject to final project feasibility and quotation. The buyer should still calculate the total fill weight, packaging cost, sell-through and destination requirements.
Can I see every matcha model?
Internal model names are not public and the full set is not offered by default. Sailtik recommends a grade and selects suitable 10 g variants according to the business model, application, position and target cost.
Launch only after the product and package agree
A strong private-label project connects four decisions: who the product is for, which matcha they will value, which package they can finish, and which first-run quantity the brand can sell. Lock those decisions before printing.
Contact Carol at Sailtik with your target customer, destination, desired format, first-run units, launch channel and price position for a focused project review.