Qatsi was founded on a simple principle: transparency. We're dedicated to bringing Australia the finest high-quality Japanese tea with a clear origin story. For us, we believe that every cup of tea tells a story, it’s about highlighting the farmers, the unique terroir, and every step from 'leaf to cup.' We don't keep our growers a secret; we put them in the spotlight, so you always know exactly where your tea comes from.

The idea for Qatsi sparked from a personal quest. We found it challenging to discover truly high-quality Japanese tea in Australia, often with limited information and little to no explanation about where the tea is grown and who cultivated it. It became clear that the incredible world of Japanese tea, with its intricate cultivation methods and the passionate farmers behind them, wasn't getting the spotlight it deserved. This exploration uncovered an amazing world of intricate cultivation methods used by Japanese farmers, a story too exciting not to share.

So, we created Qatsi. It's our way of importing the very teas we personally cherish, celebrating these extraordinary products, and sharing the authentic stories of Japanese tea with Australia. We also felt the local tea conversation often focused solely on health benefits, which whilst important, was missing the vibrant culture and sheer enjoyment. We aim to change that, making your journey into Japanese tea as engaging and fun as it should be.

My name is Paddy, I'm the founder of Qatsi, and like many good stories, Qatsi began with a new perspective on an old passion. For 15 years, I immersed myself in the wine industry as a sommelier. I loved the complexity and the stories behind each bottle, but the demanding late nights and the health impacts of alcohol eventually led me to seek a different path.

That path led me to a short stint in a horticulture course, where a fascinating discovery awaited: Camellia sinensis, the humble tea plant. It struck me almost immediately how similar it was to Vitis vinifera, the grape vine. Just like wine, all teas, from delicate greens to robust blacks, originate from this single plant. This revelation sparked a deep dive into the world of tea cultivation. I found striking parallels in how tea is harvested, cultivated, and the incredible diversity of varietals that emerge from one common origin. And this time, unlike wine, I could drink as much as I want and its actually good for me! 

This initial curiosity quickly morphed into an all-consuming obsession with Japanese tea. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Japan, eager to meet with tea farmers, taste as many different teas as possible, and absorb every piece of knowledge I could. The dedication of the farmers, the unique terroir, and the meticulous processes involved were truly captivating.

My journey to Japan solidified an idea: Qatsi. It's my way of sharing that same enthusiasm and excitement with Australia. I believe Japanese tea is so much more than just a drink; it's a world of excitement, fun, and amazement waiting to be explored. Through Qatsi, I invite you to discover the rich stories and incredible flavours of authentic Japanese tea, just as I did.