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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phenimax, a specialty tea retailer devoted to premium organic Japanese teas, is proud to announce a significant achievement. Its flagship organic Temomicha (Hand-rolled Japanese Tea), "Marishi Fuji," has received the Grand Gold Prize, the highest honor at the World Green Tea Contest 2025 in Shizuoka, Japan.
This prestigious recognition reaffirms the unparalleled quality of Marishi Fuji, a premium hand-rolled Japanese tea crafted from organic Marishi leaves. Earlier this year, it achieved the highest bidding price at Japan's first green tea auction of the season in May, earning significant acclaim both domestically and internationally. Phenimax also submitted Marishi Fuji to leading international competitions, including the Japanese Tea Selection Paris in France (currently under review).
Phenimax will release a Marishi Fuji Temomicha Set, an exquisite, limited-edition that unites the award-winning Marishi Fuji, a bespoke Arita ware tea set, and traditional Wasanbon confectionery. With only ten sets available, each represents a rare opportunity to experience Japan's finest artistry. Pricing is available upon individual inquiry, and the set serves as a truly distinguished gift for special occasions.
For details on the "Marishi Fuji Temomicha Set": https://phenimax.com/pages/world-green-tea-contest-2025-entry
For "Marishi Fuji Temomicha Set" Inquiry: https://phenimax.com/pages/marishi-fuji-purchase-inquiry
Preserving a 400-Year Tradition: Temomicha (Hand-rolled Japanese Tea)
Phenimax is not merely a purveyor of organic teas. We are devoted to preserving and sharing with the world the most exquisite and rare premium green teas, meticulously crafted using the Temomi (hand-rolling) method. This traditional technique, with a history of more than 400 years, was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan in 2024. Each batch is hand-rolled for over eight hours after harvest, resulting in a tea of remarkable depth and refinement. Among our offerings is the award-winning Marishi Fuji, part of a collection produced only in limited quantities.
The Secret Behind the Legendary Marishi Cultivar
The Marishi Fuji tea, honored with the Grand Gold Prize, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is crafted from the elusive Marishi cultivar, a legendary and exceptionally rare strain cherished by connoisseurs.
Unlike the neatly trimmed, dome-shaped rows found in most commercial tea fields, the Marishi tea plants grow freely in a gentle, tree-like form. This natural growth allows sunlight to reach every leaf evenly, nurturing the development of leaves of exceptional quality. Each leaf is cultivated organically and carefully hand-picked, one by one. Only the tender new bud and the two young leaves that have just opened—known as Ichishin Niyo ("one bud, two leaves")—are selected.
In contrast, most teas on the market are machine-harvested, often including stems and tougher leaves. The meticulous hand-picking process used for Marishi Fuji ensures unparalleled flavor and refinement. These uncompromising standards in cultivation and harvesting are key reasons the tea achieved the highest bidding price and widespread acclaim at this year's first tea auction.
"Wholefood" Organic Matcha (Under the "Unicross" Brand)
Phenimax is also expanding its offerings with globally rare and innovative organic matcha products. Phenimax has commenced pre-orders for its Japanese Wholefood Organic Matcha. In today's global market, over 90% of matcha is produced using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, artificially creating a vibrant green color. Phenimax challenges this norm by offering matcha that is not only organic but also Wholefood. Typical matcha sold worldwide removes the leaf veins, stripping away most of the nutrients. Phenimax's proprietary technology finely grinds the entire leaf, including veins, down to a silky powder, delivering the complete nutritional profile. Additionally, Phenimax has developed the world's only Japanese Wholefood Organic GABA Matcha (as of October 2025), which boasts an elevated GABA content through special technology. Pre-orders for both are now available.
Organic 100% Uji Matcha – The Rarest of the Rare
For true connoisseurs of ceremonial-grade matcha, Phenimax proudly presents an exceptional creation: organic matcha made exclusively from tea leaves grown in the historic Uji region of Kyoto.
Uji has long been celebrated as the birthplace of Japan's finest tea, yet it now accounts for only about 4% of the nation's total production. Under the official definition of Uji teas in Japan, teas blended with leaves from neighboring prefectures such as Mie, Nara, or Gifu may still be sold as "Uji matcha." As a result, nearly all so-called "Uji" matcha on the market is blended.
Phenimax's matcha is different. Ours is a true organic 100% Uji matcha—pure, authentic, and almost impossible to find, even in Japan. Limited quantities are now available.
Learn more about our Organic Matcha here: https://phenimax.com/pages/the-hidden-truth-about-matcha
Phenimax – Redefining the Future of Japanese Tea
From one-of-a-kind hand-rolled teas like Marishi Fuji to our collection of organic 100% Uji matcha, wholefood organic matcha, and wholefood organic GABA matcha, Phenimax unites centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary refinement. Each creation embodies the spirit of purity, patience, and perfection that defines authentic Japanese tea.
Experience the art of tea at its highest form. available through our official website and private inquiry.
Website: https://phenimax.com
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phenimax, a specialty tea retailer devoted to premium organic Japanese teas, is proud to announce a significant achievement. Its flagship organic Temomicha (Hand-rolled Japanese Tea), "Marishi Fuji," has received the Grand Gold Prize, the highest honor at the World Green Tea Contest 2025 in Shizuoka, Japan.
This prestigious recognition reaffirms the unparalleled quality of Marishi Fuji, a premium hand-rolled Japanese tea crafted from organic Marishi leaves. Earlier this year, it achieved the highest bidding price at Japan's first green tea auction of the season in May, earning significant acclaim both domestically and internationally. Phenimax also submitted Marishi Fuji to leading international competitions, including the Japanese Tea Selection Paris in France (currently under review).
Phenimax will release a Marishi Fuji Temomicha Set, an exquisite, limited-edition that unites the award-winning Marishi Fuji, a bespoke Arita ware tea set, and traditional Wasanbon confectionery. With only ten sets available, each represents a rare opportunity to experience Japan's finest artistry. Pricing is available upon individual inquiry, and the set serves as a truly distinguished gift for special occasions.
For details on the "Marishi Fuji Temomicha Set": https://phenimax.com/pages/world-green-tea-contest-2025-entry
For "Marishi Fuji Temomicha Set" Inquiry: https://phenimax.com/pages/marishi-fuji-purchase-inquiry
Preserving a 400-Year Tradition: Temomicha (Hand-rolled Japanese Tea)
Phenimax is not merely a purveyor of organic teas. We are devoted to preserving and sharing with the world the most exquisite and rare premium green teas, meticulously crafted using the Temomi (hand-rolling) method. This traditional technique, with a history of more than 400 years, was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan in 2024. Each batch is hand-rolled for over eight hours after harvest, resulting in a tea of remarkable depth and refinement. Among our offerings is the award-winning Marishi Fuji, part of a collection produced only in limited quantities.
The Secret Behind the Legendary Marishi Cultivar
The Marishi Fuji tea, honored with the Grand Gold Prize, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is crafted from the elusive Marishi cultivar, a legendary and exceptionally rare strain cherished by connoisseurs.
Unlike the neatly trimmed, dome-shaped rows found in most commercial tea fields, the Marishi tea plants grow freely in a gentle, tree-like form. This natural growth allows sunlight to reach every leaf evenly, nurturing the development of leaves of exceptional quality. Each leaf is cultivated organically and carefully hand-picked, one by one. Only the tender new bud and the two young leaves that have just opened—known as Ichishin Niyo ("one bud, two leaves")—are selected.
In contrast, most teas on the market are machine-harvested, often including stems and tougher leaves. The meticulous hand-picking process used for Marishi Fuji ensures unparalleled flavor and refinement. These uncompromising standards in cultivation and harvesting are key reasons the tea achieved the highest bidding price and widespread acclaim at this year's first tea auction.
"Wholefood" Organic Matcha (Under the "Unicross" Brand)
Phenimax is also expanding its offerings with globally rare and innovative organic matcha products. Phenimax has commenced pre-orders for its Japanese Wholefood Organic Matcha. In today's global market, over 90% of matcha is produced using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, artificially creating a vibrant green color. Phenimax challenges this norm by offering matcha that is not only organic but also Wholefood. Typical matcha sold worldwide removes the leaf veins, stripping away most of the nutrients. Phenimax's proprietary technology finely grinds the entire leaf, including veins, down to a silky powder, delivering the complete nutritional profile. Additionally, Phenimax has developed the world's only Japanese Wholefood Organic GABA Matcha (as of October 2025), which boasts an elevated GABA content through special technology. Pre-orders for both are now available.
Organic 100% Uji Matcha – The Rarest of the Rare
For true connoisseurs of ceremonial-grade matcha, Phenimax proudly presents an exceptional creation: organic matcha made exclusively from tea leaves grown in the historic Uji region of Kyoto.
Uji has long been celebrated as the birthplace of Japan's finest tea, yet it now accounts for only about 4% of the nation's total production. Under the official definition of Uji teas in Japan, teas blended with leaves from neighboring prefectures such as Mie, Nara, or Gifu may still be sold as "Uji matcha." As a result, nearly all so-called "Uji" matcha on the market is blended.
Phenimax's matcha is different. Ours is a true organic 100% Uji matcha—pure, authentic, and almost impossible to find, even in Japan. Limited quantities are now available.
Learn more about our Organic Matcha here: https://phenimax.com/pages/the-hidden-truth-about-matcha
Phenimax – Redefining the Future of Japanese Tea
From one-of-a-kind hand-rolled teas like Marishi Fuji to our collection of organic 100% Uji matcha, wholefood organic matcha, and wholefood organic GABA matcha, Phenimax unites centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary refinement. Each creation embodies the spirit of purity, patience, and perfection that defines authentic Japanese tea.
Experience the art of tea at its highest form. available through our official website and private inquiry.
Website: https://phenimax.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
"Marishi Fuji" Wins Grand Gold Prize at the World Green Tea Contest 2025
Key regional events bring Together Industry Leaders to Advance Dialogue Across the Food and Feed Value Chain
BANGKOK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southeast Asia's food, feed, and agricultural trade community gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, for two key industry events hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the S.E. Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit. Together, the events brought together U.S. farmers, exporters, industry leaders, and regional stakeholders to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships, and explore opportunities shaping the future of food and agriculture in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia remains a key growth market for U.S. Soy, fueled by increasing demand across both feed and food sectors. In Marketing Year (MY) 2024/25, the region imported 10.1 million metric tons (MMT) of whole soybeans and 18.6 MMT of soybean meal[1], underscoring the region's reliance on imported soy products, including U.S. Soy for high-quality, sustainable protein. The Philippines continues to be the top importer of U.S. soybean meal globally, while Vietnam remains among the region's leading markets with strong demand growth in recent years driven by expanding feed demand for livestock and aquaculture production.
The region's food and beverage sector continues to embrace U.S. Soy's quality and versatility, supporting both traditional and modern food applications. As urbanization accelerates and consumer expectations evolve, rising consumption of poultry, pork, and seafood continues to drive demand for soybean meal across Southeast Asia.
"These events bring together partners across the feed and food sectors to support practical dialogue and collaboration across the value chain," said Carlos Salinas, Executive Director – East Asia, U.S. Soybean Export Council. "Southeast Asia remains a key growth region for U.S. Soy. As demand for protein continues to rise, there are clear opportunities to expand the use of U.S. soybean meal and soy food products across the region. Through continued engagement, we support the region's priorities in food security, nutrition, and sustainable production."
Sustainability That Buyers Trust
Sustainability, transparency, and consistent quality continue to shape buyer expectations across Southeast Asia. U.S. Soy's unique strengths, including its lower carbon footprint and verified sustainability credentials, remain key differentiators for customers in the region. This is supported by the long-standing commitment of multi-generational U.S. farmers to quality[2] and reliable supply. Close engagement with buyers further reinforces confidence in U.S. Soy as a dependable, long-term partner.
S.E. Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference 2026 (23–25 March, 2026)
Co‑organized by USSEC, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates, the conference centered on the theme "Building Trusted Partnerships, Delivering Value and Reliability."
The three-day program brought together U.S. suppliers and Southeast Asian buyers through business-to-business meetings, plenary sessions, and expert-led discussions focused on the forces shaping global agricultural markets. Insights highlighted how production trends, policy developments, and shifting trade dynamics continue to influence supply, pricing, and market outlooks across soy, grains, and wheat in an increasingly complex global trade environment. These discussions reinforced that reliability and long-term relationships remain key in navigating market uncertainty.
The conference also provided opportunities for direct engagement between U.S. suppliers and Southeast Asian buyers, supporting more informed decision-making and deeper market engagement across the value chain. Discussions also highlighted the broader role of the feed sector in supporting reliable access to protein for a growing population.
Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2026 (25–27 March, 2026)
The Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit opened with a strong emphasis on innovation, nutrition, and sustainability, highlighting the expanding role of U.S. Soy in meeting Asia's evolving food needs. Under the theme "Unlocking Nutritious and Sustainable Soy Benefits – Differentiate and Elevate U.S. Soy for Nourishing Asia," the summit convened leaders across the soy food ecosystem to explore how sustainably sourced U.S. Soy can support healthier diets and more resilient food systems across the region.
Sustainability is also playing a greater role in shaping brand positioning and purchasing decisions. Industry partners are reporting stronger product differentiation, improved market performance, and enhanced consumer trust following the adoption of the Sustainable U.S. Soy (SUSS) label[3], which identifies products made with verified sustainable U.S. Soy.
The program further underscored demand for food-grade and identity preserved soybeans, alongside the importance of verified sourcing and traceability in meeting buyer expectations for consistent and trusted supply.
Together, both events underscored the importance of strong partnerships, responsible sourcing, and shared innovation in supporting Southeast Asia's evolving food and feed needs. U.S. Soy continues to deliver consistent, responsibly sourced solutions backed by reliability and collaboration across the value chain.
About USSEC
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in more than 90 countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. Soy Checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry. Visit www.ussec.org for the latest information about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally.
[1] USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Production, Supply and Distribution, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Global Agricultural Trade System, Data reflected is for total soy imports across all origins.
[2] https://ussec.org/why-choose-us-soy/the-us-soy-advantage/#superior-quality
[3] https://ussec.org/buyer-tools/sustainable-us-soy-label/
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U.S. Soy Drives Dialogue on Trade, Partnerships, and Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia
U.S. Soy Drives Dialogue on Trade, Partnerships, and Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia
