Matcha Madness: Nice to Matcha Brewing a Business Revolution

2 Min 30 Secs | 600 Words

Cape Town’s matcha craze is brewing — and Nice to Matcha is leading the charge.

From TikTok feeds to beachfront cafés, Nice to Matcha has quickly become the go-to brand for health-conscious Gen Zs and wellness enthusiasts. With its minimalist menu of three signature drinks and a laser focus on high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Japan, the brand has carved out a bold space in South Africa’s beverage scene. It’s not just a trend — it’s a masterclass in niche marketing, first-mover advantage, and the power of simplicity.

So, what can future CA(SA)s learn from their business playbook? Let’s break it down…

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Green, Lean, and Caffeine-Queen

If you’ve been to Cape Town in the last couple of months, know someone who has, or have spent enough time scrolling through TikTok, one thing is certain…

You’ve heard of Nice to Matcha.

But if you’ve been living under a rock or haven’t checked your socials lately, let me catch you up. Nice to Matcha is a premium matcha brand renowned for its high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha sourced directly from Japan. The brand champions wellness by offering a natural alternative to coffee — providing sustained energy, enhanced focus, and a rich dose of antioxidants without the dreaded caffeine crash. With its smooth taste and vibrant green color, Nice to Matcha has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a healthier lifestyle while staying sharp and productive.

Now, you might be wondering…what does any of this have to do with accounting and becoming a CA(SA)?

Well, founder Andreas Forsyth-Thompson offers a masterclass in applying fundamental business principles to carve out a competitive edge, something every aspiring CA(SA) should take note of.

First-Mover’s Advantage and Niche Clarity

While matcha drinks aren’t a brand-new concept — with brands like Vida e Caffè, Starbucks, and Plato including them on their menus, these larger names treat matcha as just another option alongside their usual coffee and tea offerings. Their focus has never been solely on matcha.

Nice to Matcha, however, made one thing crystal clear: matcha is the product, simple as that. This unwavering focus allowed them to become the first dedicated matcha brand in South Africa, securing the coveted first-mover advantage by establishing themselves as the authority in this niche.

But it doesn’t stop there. They’ve also mastered their niche clarity. A quick search on TikTok reveals a consistent trend — their core audience is Gen Z and health-conscious consumers, with a noticeable lean towards female customers. This targeted approach not only strengthens their brand identity but also creates a ripple effect, drawing in male counterparts through organic social influence.

By zeroing in on a specific product and a well-defined audience, Nice to Matcha has built a strong, relatable brand — a strategic move any future CA(SA) can appreciate when analyzing business success stories.

Minimal Viable Product

If you struggle with indecisiveness, Nice to Matcha might just be the brand for you — thanks to their refreshingly simple menu of just three items. Yes, you read that right — three. While this might sound tongue-in-cheek, it’s actually a brilliant business move.

This minimalist menu offers a powerful lesson in taking action and embracing simplicity — especially when starting out in business. Each of their three flavors is carefully crafted and undeniably delicious, reinforcing the idea that sometimes less is more.

By keeping their product range streamlined, Nice to Matcha maintains laser focus on perfecting their offerings and refining their standard operating procedures. This approach allows them to build a strong foundation before tackling more complex growth strategies, like expanding their flavor range or launching new products. Essentially, their simplicity now sets the stage for seamless future innovation.

For any aspiring CA(SA), this is a prime example of how a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) strategy can kickstart a business, create momentum, and pave the way for sustainable growth.

Roundup

Nice to Matcha isn’t just about serving vibrant green drinks — it’s a blueprint for smart business strategy. From securing first-mover advantage and mastering niche clarity to embracing a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) approach, the brand demonstrates how simplicity, focus, and strategic positioning can fuel growth. For aspiring CA(SA)s, the lesson is clear: success often lies in doing fewer things — but doing them exceptionally well.

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