If you are a matcha fanatic, thinking of turning your love for this fine tea into a profitable venture, then you are up to step into a booming global trend. Whether it is opening a cosy matcha café, launching a retail store, creating matcha beauty products, or becoming a wholesaler, there are a myriad of opportunities in Dubai’s rapidly growing market where you can establish a strong, scalable brand.
But before diving into the details of how to start a Matcha business in Dubai, let’s first grasp the essentials.
What is Matcha and why is it so popular worldwide?
Matcha, originating from Japan, is a finely ground powder, green in color, prepared from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is popular for its distinct earthy flavour and numerous health benefits. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha is not steeped and discarded; rather consumed entirely. From lattes and smoothies to skincare and desserts, matcha is a powerful source of nutrients and antioxidants.
The global insights into the Matcha industry
With the growing health consciousness among people, the matcha industry is experiencing significant growth due to its health benefits and cultural appeal. While more and more influencers are fueling the trend by showcasing matcha in their content, its popularity has touched every corner of the world.
In 2025, the industry will grow at a high pace, offering opportunities for innovative product offerings and businesses.
Is it worth starting a Matcha business in Dubai, UAE?
Yes, if planned carefully and executed strategically, your matcha business can be a big success. Here’s why –
- Rising Health Consciousness: People in Dubai are becoming increasingly health-conscious, looking for superfoods like Matcha that are rich in antioxidants, boost metabolism, and enhance focus.
- Premium Market Willing to Pay: The premium market segment with a high disposable income is willing to pay more for organic and imported products such as Matcha.
- Growing Café Culture: Aesthetic beverages like matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, and matcha-based desserts are in high demand within the thriving café scenes in Dubai.
- Untapped Niche: Matcha is relatively new compared to other beverages like coffee and tea. The low competition creates more room for matcha businesses to stand out with a strong brand.
While matcha is a booming trend, there are certain challenges you need to be aware of before stepping into this industry –
- The cost of licenses, rent, and staff can be high for a physical matcha cafe.
- Many consumers are unaware of Matcha and what makes it so exclusive.
The quality of the matcha is paramount. Exporting premium-grade matcha from foreign countries like Japan or Korea can add to the cost.
Start a Matcha business – Promising ideas to pursue
You can go for several matcha business models in Dubai –
Matcha café: A cart, food truck, or a full-fledged café offering a variety of matcha drinks and delicious desserts.
Retail/e-commerce store: A physical retail store or an online store selling matcha-based products, including beauty products, food and drinks, or even powdered matcha.
Matcha wholesale: Supplying high-quality matcha raw materials to restaurants, cafés, clubs, bakeries, and hotels.
Beauty and cosmetic products: Manufacture or retail a variety of skincare and beauty items made of Matcha, such as face masks, body scrubs, soaps, facial cleansers, creams, serums, and lip balms.
Private Labelling: Rebranding imported matcha for local or export markets.
If you focus on targeting the right audience and offering premium-quality products, you can build a strong brand and make your matcha business highly profitable.
How to start a Matcha business in Dubai?
If you are planning to start a Matcha business in Dubai, you need to be well informed about the legal framework and requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process –
Step 1: Conduct Market Research
Before starting a matcha business, conduct in-depth research of the market to understand the matcha trends and types of matcha products that are in demand.
- Determine your niche: How do you want to sell your matcha, whether as a drink, powder, food ingredient, skincare product, or all of the above?
- Know your audience: Focus specifically on fitness enthusiasts, café lovers, and individuals looking for organic substitutes.
- Competitor analysis: Research existing matcha brands or local cafes in the market that offer matcha drinks. Assess their pricing structure, packaging methods, branding strategies, and customer engagement.
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Model
Determine the type of business model you want to set up in Dubai. It can be a Matcha Café or Kiosk, an Online Store, Wholesale or B2B, Private Label, or a Hybrid Model. Choosing the right model can help structure the business operations and budget efficiently.
Step 3: Select Your Business Location
Based on your budget and target audience, you can choose a location to run your matcha business –
- Mainland: Ideal for retail shops or cafés that serve walk-in customers.
- Free Zones: Great for eCommerce ventures or export businesses.
The location you choose has a great impact on your ownership rights, visa eligibility, and market access. While mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE, free zone entities need a local distributor to access the local market.
Step 4: Decide on the Legal Structure
When learning how to start a Matcha business in Dubai, you need to understand the legal structure of your company.
- Sole Establishment: For single owners (only for UAE and GCC nationals).
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Allows multiple shareholders.
- Free Zone Company: Offers 100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup, and tax benefits.
Our experts will help you choose the best option based on your business goals.
Step 5: Register Your Business & Choose a Name
Choose a unique and relevant trade name and register with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or your chosen free zone authority. Obtain initial approval by submitting certain documents such as passport copies, visa copies, Emirates ID, and business plans.
Step 6: Apply for a Trade License
A proper license is required to legally operate your matcha business in Dubai:
- Commercial License: For retail, import/export, and online trading
- Food & Beverage License: For cafés and physical outlets
- Health & Beauty Product License: For selling skincare or wellness products
Based on your activity, you may require approval from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or the Food Safety Department.
Step 7: Source and Import Quality Matcha
One of the most critical aspects of a matcha business is sourcing high-quality and authentic matcha, preferably organic and ceremonial grade, Japanese-sourced matcha, and properly certified. Make sure to comply with the UAE’s import regulations and obtain product registration through the Dubai Municipality, particularly for food or cosmetics.
Step 8: Build Your Brand and Infrastructure
Your brand must reflect wellness, sustainability, and quality. Moreover, the packaging must be eco-friendly and in accordance with the UAE standards. Make sure it is labelled in Arabic and English. For online sales, set up secure payment options. For delivery and logistics, you can partner with local couriers to ensure quick and seamless delivery in Dubai.
Step 9: Market Your Matcha Business
A strong digital and offline presence will help grow your customer base. To achieve this, you need to leverage certain marketing tools and strategies:
- Social Media: Use Instagram Reels, TikTok trends, and influencer marketing.
- Content Marketing: Write SEO-optimized blogs.
- Collaborations: Partner with yoga studios, gyms, spas, and wellness centers.
- Sampling & Pop-Ups: Organize pop-up events in malls, gyms, or lifestyle events.
Here’s a detailed list of the essential documents required: -
- Passport Copies
- Emirates ID & UAE Visa Copy
- Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Initial Approval Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Tenancy Contract
- Business Plan
- Government Approvals
- License Application
How can you market your matcha business?
Once your matcha business is up and running, you need to focus on the marketing part, where you beat the competition and create a strong presence and positive image for your brand. Here are some productive tips to do it effectively -
- Keep the packaging eco-friendly and visually appealing with consistent brand colors.
- Invest in premium quality matcha.
- Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and others to promote your brand.
- Use SEO and content strategies to make your business more visible.
- Create a professional website that is user-friendly and advertises your products well.
- Partner with wellness studios, fitness centers, and cafés to promote your products and enhance their visibility.
Join the Matcha wave and brew your business dream!
With the right vision and proper guidance, you can successfully establish the business you desire, be it a boutique matcha café or an e-commerce store. Our business setup experts will make it happen for you. From choosing the right business structure and name to obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, they will help you navigate every step smoothly and compliantly.
Get in touch with us today!
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