Toyo Vending, Ito En introduce made-to-order matcha machines

Toyo Vending is introducing matcha vending machines in Japan through a collaboration with tea company Ito En, according to a company release. The Japan Quality Matcha service is scheduled to begin rolling out in November, with planned locations including highway rest areas, train stations, airports, tourist destinations and commercial properties. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves.

The machines prepare drinks after customers order and offer five levels of matcha strength. Offerings include matcha and matcha lattes made with Ito En ingredients. Toyo Vending said it adapted technology developed for its freshly ground coffee machines to produce drinks intended to resemble freshly whisked matcha.

Three exterior designs draw on Japanese landscapes, traditional patterns and tea fields, including a version with a large monitor. The company said the service aims to make matcha more accessible to domestic customers and international visitors. The announcement did not specify prices, the number of machines planned or individual installation sites.