Matcha brand lands Holland & Barrett listing

A Birmingham drinks brand is stirring up growth after securing listings with a leading health and wellness retailer.

The Matcha Yaad, an online business combining Japanese ceremonial matcha with Caribbean flavours, has launched four products through Holland & Barrett.

The range includes Gokou Matcha alongside chocolate, strawberry and peach flavoured varieties, all produced without artificial flavourings.

Founder Monique Farquharson launched the business after moving to Birmingham from Jamaica having received Aston University’s first Enterprise Scholarship.

Her interest in matcha developed after giving up coffee and later spending two years in Japan learning about tea before experimenting with flavours inspired by the Caribbean spices she grew up with.

The business, which describes itself as the UK’s first Caribbean-Japanese ceremonial matcha brand, has since grown from a one-woman operation into a three-strong team.

Monique was also recently named International Alum of the Year 2026 at the PIEoneer Awards.

She said: “2026 is proving to be our best year yet in terms of sales, as well as our most exciting year. 

“I’m so pleased to have secured these listings on Holland & Barrett, one of the UK’s most trusted health and wellness retailers, and it is a significant milestone for me as a female founder of a passion project based in Birmingham. 

“It has been quite a journey from Jamaica to Japan to Birmingham.

“I am also extremely grateful to have won the PIEoneer Award – what a fantastic accolade!”

Monique Farquharson, founder of The Matcha Yaad

Alongside its new Holland & Barrett presence, The Matcha Yaad is stocked by independent retailers in Redditch, Tamworth and London, while Monique also showcases its products at markets and events across the country.

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