China is stepping up production of matcha to meet increasing global demand for the finely ground green tea product.

A large amount of matcha is produced in Tongren City in the inland Chinese province of Guizhou. The province is a top production region for China, which in turn is the world’s largest tea producer.

A large-scale factory in the city began mass production seven years ago as the popularity of matcha increased due to the Japanese food boom and health consciousness. The operator of the factory invited Japanese experts to advise in its construction.

NHK was the first foreign media outlet allowed to film inside the factory.

Workers packed bags with finished matcha one after another and conducted final checks before shipment. Cardboard boxes containing the product were piled up.

Production at the factory this year is said to be 2,000 tons, of which, 40 percent will be exported, mainly to Western countries, but also to Japan and other countries. It will be mostly used in processed food.

The deputy general manager of a company that operates the factory, Lan Fangqiang, said China and Japan are both making efforts for the development of matcha culture in the world and in this aspect, share the same goal.

Japanese matcha is globally appreciated for its quality and recognized brands, while China is seeking to suit the global market in terms of quantity.