Introduction
The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a regional hub for food imports and re-exports in the Middle East. With its cosmopolitan population, premium café culture, and rising health-conscious consumer base, demand for matcha is growing steadily. Finding a trusted matcha supplier in the UAE with Halal certification and strong logistics ensures success in both local and regional markets.
1. Matcha Market in the UAE
| Factor | Market Status |
|---|---|
| Consumer demand | Strong in Dubai cafés, bakeries, luxury hotels |
| Import sources | Japan & China dominate supply |
| Certifications | Halal mandatory, Organic preferred |
| Market channels | Cafés, hotels, retail supermarkets, e-commerce |
👉 Insight: The UAE is not just a consumer market but also a re-export hub for GCC and North Africa.
2. Types of Matcha Suppliers in the UAE
| Supplier Type | Description | Suitable Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Local Distributor | Imports and resells bulk matcha | Cafés, bakeries, hotels |
| OEM Service Provider | Offers custom tins/pouches for retail brands | Supermarkets, private labels |
| Regional Re-exporter | Imports in bulk and re-exports to Saudi, Oman, Qatar | Wholesalers, traders |
3. Key Purchasing Considerations
| Factor | Why Important |
|---|---|
| Halal certification | Mandatory for food imports |
| MOQ | Bulk 10–20 kg, OEM 500+ packs |
| Packaging | Bulk foil bags, retail tins, premium pouches |
| Price drivers | Matcha grade, Halal/Organic certification, logistics |
4. Procurement Process in the UAE
| Step | Buyer’s Action |
|---|---|
| Supplier review | Verify Halal + Organic certification |
| Sample testing | Import small batch for testing |
| Bulk order | 10–100 kg or OEM packs |
| Import clearance | Requires Halal certificate + HS code |
| Distribution | Cafés, supermarkets, hotels, re-export |
5. FAQ
Q1: Can I buy matcha wholesale in Dubai?
A: Yes, through local distributors or by importing directly from Japan/China.
Q2: Is Halal certification required in the UAE?
A: Yes, all food imports must have Halal certification.
Q3: Can UAE suppliers re-export matcha to other countries?
A: Yes, Dubai is a key hub for re-export to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Africa.
Conclusion
The UAE matcha market is premium-oriented, with strong demand from cafés, hotels, and retail chains. Choosing a supplier with Halal certification and regional re-export capacity ensures long-term success.