About The Matcha Yaad
The Matcha Yaad is Britain’s first Jamaican matcha company, blending Jamaican flavours with Japanese matcha to create functional food and drink.
Founded by Monique Farquharson, the business is built on a clear mission to bring together ingredients and cultural influences in new ways. Its first product, the Spicy Refresher, was designed as a productivity drink that offers an alternative to coffee and traditional energy drinks.
At its core, The Matcha Yaad is about more than a product. It is about experimentation, cultural connection and creating something that stands apart in a crowded market.
Building confidence, clarity and connections
As The Matcha Yaad prepared to launch its first product, Monique was looking for more than knowledge. She was looking for a community.
Through joining an MSDUK accelerator programme, the founder became part of a network of business owners and industry experts that offered both practical support and new perspectives at a critical stage of the business.
One of the most valuable elements was access to expert guidance. Working closely with an expert in residence, Monique refined key areas of the business ahead of launch. These sessions helped shape everything from product positioning to go-to-market thinking at a time when direction mattered most.
Mentorship added another layer of support. Paired with a corporate mentor who had direct experience of Japanese culture, Monique gained insight that was highly relevant to her product. These conversations helped refine how matcha could be positioned for a UK audience, while also providing a better understanding of how to navigate corporate engagement and procurement.
Progress came not just from learning, but from relationships. The connections formed with peers, mentors and industry contacts have continued beyond the programme, creating an ongoing support system as the business grows.
“Business is about relationship building, no matter what type of product or service we offer. I have built strong connections that I continue to stay in touch with beyond the programme.” Monique Farquharson, Founder, The Matcha Yaad
