BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON) -- Matcha has surged in popularity over the past year, becoming a staple in the hands of San Francisco Bay Area cafegoers -- much like the Labubu doll craze. As with many viral trends, social media has fueled its rise, but demand is now outpacing supply.

Global matcha prices are rising and have affected the Bay Area due to poor weather, labor shortages and tariffs. KRON4 reported last month that several San Francisco cafes are feeling the effects of the matcha shortage.

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Now, businesses in the greater Bay Area, including Berkeley, are facing the bleak reality of the Japanese export's waning supply.

Third Culture Bakery in Berkeley is dealing with the so-called "matcha mania." Co-owner

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