Pakistan, June 26 -- Matcha, a powdered green tea with deep roots in Japanese tradition, is quickly becoming a global sensation. From hip cafes in Los Angeles to home kitchens across Europe and Asia, the demand for this vivid green drink has skyrocketed. Yet, despite its popularity, Japanese producers are struggling to keep up with global demand.

The term "matcha" means "ground tea" in Japanese. Unlike regular green tea, matcha is made by whisking a fine powder with hot water. Its origins date back to 16th-century Kyoto, where it became central to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Today, it's found in everything from lattes and cakes to smoothies and skincare.

Matcha is made from "tencha" leaves, which are shaded before harvest to ...