Ito En Mugicha (Barley Tea Bags)

Ito En · Japan
Beverages Other Tea Ambient Established export

Caffeine-free roasted barley tea using Ito En's gokumushi ni-dan baisen (two-stage deep roast) method for a robust, nutty aroma. Cold-brews easily for the iconic Japanese iced summer drink and suits caffeine-free family consumption abroad. Sold as cold-water-friendly bags in the US market.

The supplierIto En, Ltd. — large listed tea/beverage maker (~US$3.2B group). North America arm (Ito En North America, Brooklyn/Hawaii ops) handles bagged-tea distribution in US/CA; English-ready B2B.
Why it sells abroadCaffeine-free, roasted-barley, naturally sweet — Japanese summer staple; family/kids and caffeine-avoiders hook. Cold-brew convenience.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsFSSC 22000 (confirmed at Ito En leaf factories). ISO 9001 (company claim). HACCP via FSSC. Caffeine-free positioning (barley). Halal: not publicly verified. Kosher: not publicly verified.
Pack formatsCold-brew barley tea bags (large pitcher-bag format, e.g. ~54 bags) retail; case packs vary by market. Stick/jug formats also exist.
Shelf life18-24 months (dry roasted barley tea bags).
StorageCool, dry place, sealed; keep away from moisture and odors.
Minimum orderTypical: importer 20-50 cases; FCL for direct.
Lead timeTypical: 30-50 days ex-Japan.
CapacityLarge-scale dry-tea packing.
Container loadTypical: dry goods light — pallet-count limited; ~1,000-1,500 cases per 20ft.
PricingEstimate: ~US$3-5/retail pack landed wholesale.
OEM / private labelNo brand OEM; private-label via Ito En B2B.
Wholesale & MOQIto En USA and Asian-grocery distributors; case MOQ.
Key exporters & distributorsIto En, Ltd., Ito En (North America) INC.
Export regulationBarley is a grain (not Camellia tea), so green-tea pesticide MRLs differ; standard grain food-safety + FDA Prior Notice. Contains gluten - cannot be labeled gluten-free.
Market demandNiche but growing caffeine-free herbal/grain-tea demand in US/CA; Asian-grocery core plus natural channel crossover.
How to source itIto En North America; Asian-food distributors. FOODEX/JETRO.
Verified sourceshttps://itoen.com/; https://www.itoen-global.com/quality/
MakerIto En, Ltd.
OriginJapan
CategoryBeverages / Other Tea
Available inUnited States, Canada
HandlingAmbient
Price tierMass
ChannelMass
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code2106.90
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.