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Tag: bubble tea

  • Mixue Shifts Malaysia Strategy Toward Food Safety and Quality Control

    Mixue Shifts Malaysia Strategy Toward Food Safety and Quality Control

    Mixue has shifted its operational focus in Malaysia to food safety and standardized store management this quarter. It has slowed its rapid store openings to protect franchise consistency.

    The value-priced ice cream and tea operator is standardizing ingredient handling, audits, and franchise training across hundreds of independently run franchised outlets in the country.

    Standardising Store Operations

    Headquarters teams are rolling out stricter supplier checks, central storage compliance, and mandatory staff retraining. The goal is curbing hygiene inconsistencies across high-volume suburban counters.

    For franchisees, the tightened rules raise daily discipline and audit frequencies. Store managers face unannounced inspections covering temperature logs, equipment sanitization, and ingredient shelf-life tracking.

    Pressure on Value Tea Rivals

    Rival low-cost bubble tea chains in Malaysia now face immediate pressure. Many compete on single-digit ringgit price points. Churning out high volumes at discount prices leaves little room for error in cold chain logistics or store sanitation.

    Protecting customer trust before hygiene lapses damage the brand drives the compliance push. The main risk sits behind the counter. Enforcing uniform standards across hundreds of independently run franchised outlets demands continuous oversight costs.

    Next Phase of Southeast Asian Expansion

    Mixue entered Southeast Asia aggressively, relying on low franchise fees and an integrated Chinese supply chain to blanket Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Rapid expansion quickly secured brand recognition across shopping malls and commercial shop lots.

    Maintaining product consistency across thousands of regional outlets poses a major challenge as local health authorities step up inspections of quick-service beverage chains.

    Malaysian franchisees will complete updated audit cycles over the coming quarter as headquarters evaluates network compliance across Peninsular Malaysia.

  • Chagee Same-Store Sales Fall 16.1% in China as Network Shifts Direct

    Chagee Same-Store Sales Fall 16.1% in China as Network Shifts Direct

    Chagee posted a 16.1 per cent drop in same-store gross merchandise value across Greater China for the second quarter, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit declines at home.

    Total revenue for the Nasdaq-listed tea chain edged up 2.5 per cent year on year to RMB3.4 billion (US$503.3 million) in the three months ended June 30, while operating income jumped 387.6 per cent to RMB524.7 million. Total gross merchandise value fell 5.5 per cent to RMB7.66 billion, weighed down by a 9 per cent contraction in Greater China to RMB7.16 billion.

    Network shifts to corporate stores

    Chagee is responding to cooling domestic demand by buying back franchised outlets and running them directly. In Greater China, company-operated stores jumped from 164 to 624 over the past twelve months, while franchised locations declined from a peak of 6,836 in September 2025 to 6,616.

    Those company-owned outlets made up 11.6 per cent of the total network at the end of June but generated 27.5 per cent of overall revenue. Direct-store revenue climbed to RMB940.6 million, offsetting an 18.1 per cent fall in franchise revenue to RMB2.47 billion. Meanwhile, active members fell from 50 million in the first quarter to 47.1 million.

    China’s beverage chains are grappling with the aftermath of an aggressive 2025 delivery platform price war that drove cup prices down to single digits. While rivals like Mixue and Heytea rely heavily on deep discounting and sheer store density, Chagee is attempting to lift unit margins by consolidating ownership of its best locations.

    Overseas footprint doubles

    Outside China, gross merchandise value rose 114.3 per cent to RMB504 million. Chagee expanded its international footprint to 399 stores from 208 a year earlier, with initial momentum in new territories including South Korea, where its first three Seoul locations sold more than 16,000 cups in three days.

    Yet existing international stores are feeling the same demand pressures as domestic sites. Overseas same-store GMV declined 15.1 per cent during the quarter, steepening from a 12 per cent drop in the first three months of the year.

    Investors will watch whether the pace of franchise buybacks can stabilize network revenue before international same-store sales deteriorate further in the third quarter.

  • Hong Kong Study Links Frequent Fast Food Intake to Depression Risk in Young Adults

    Hong Kong Study Links Frequent Fast Food Intake to Depression Risk in Young Adults

    Hong Kong young adults who consume fast food frequently face higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms, according to a 142-person university study published in Nutrients.

    Depressive symptoms in the city already stand at 34 per cent and anxiety at 31 per cent, outpacing global averages. The findings arrive as quick-service restaurant chains continue to rely on youth footfall in high-density commercial districts across the territory.

    Burgers, Fries and Bubble Tea

    Researchers at the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education and Hong Kong University tracked participants aged 18 to 27 using a 22-item food frequency questionnaire. The team split subjects into high- and low-intake brackets to evaluate how specific menu choices correlated with psychological outcomes.

    Four menu staples showed the strongest links to mental distress: beef burgers, French fries, fried chicken, and sweetened bubble tea. Each carries elevated levels of saturated fat, sodium, or added sugar.

    Sugar-free beverages showed the opposite effect. Regular consumption of unsweetened tea correlated with lower reported rates of depressive symptoms, pointing to potential protective dietary properties.

    Nutritional Imbalance and City Pressures

    High property costs and tight living spaces push many young Hong Kong workers toward cheap, calorie-dense convenience meals. Fast-food operators have built substantial market share around these budget constraints, offering rapid service at price points traditional sit-down restaurants struggle to match.

    Nutritional shortfalls compound the problem. Diets heavy in processed fats and refined sugars trigger systemic inflammation and disrupt gut health, which researchers associate with impaired neurotransmitter production.

    For food chains across East Asia, shifting consumer scrutiny toward mental wellness creates new menu hurdles. Brands that expanded aggressively across Hong Kong with high-sugar milk teas and deep-fried combos face growing pressure to formulate lower-sodium and zero-sugar alternatives.

    The research team called for larger longitudinal studies to track dietary impacts over multi-year periods as public health bodies evaluate targeted dietary advisories for young consumers.

  • Bain Capital Acquires Bubble Tea Giant Gong Cha for $635 Million in Surprise Deal

    Bain Capital Acquires Bubble Tea Giant Gong Cha for $635 Million in Surprise Deal

    Private equity firm Bain Capital has successfully completed the acquisition of the global bubble tea franchise, Gong Cha, a deal estimated to be worth around US$635 million. This figure falls significantly short of the $2 billion valuation that was initially sought by Gong Cha’s owner, TA Associates, earlier in the year.

    Exploring Strategic Options

    Speculation about the acquisition began circulating months ago, after it was revealed that TA Associates had engaged the services of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The global financial services firm was to explore strategic options for Gong Cha, which was founded in Taiwan, including the potential for a sale.

    Initial discussions proposed that the business could be valued at approximately $2 billion. However, these talks were still in the preliminary stages and a transaction was far from guaranteed. During the sale process, TA Associates, the bubble tea chain’s owner since 2019, reportedly piqued the interest of several private equity firms, including Bain Capital and General Atlantic.

    Global Bubble Tea Giant

    Since its establishment in 2006, Gong Cha has evolved into one of the largest bubble tea franchises in the world. The brand currently operates more than 2,100 stores across over 30 markets. Its franchise model extends across the Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

    The acquisition is expected to finalize before the close of the current year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the estimated value of the Gong Cha acquisition by Bain Capital?
    The acquisition is estimated to be worth around US$635 million.

    Who was engaged to explore strategic options for Gong Cha?
    Global financial services firm, JPMorgan Chase & Co, was engaged to explore strategic options for Gong Cha.

    How many markets does Gong Cha operate in worldwide?
    Gong Cha operates in over 30 markets across the globe.

  • Sudden Shutdown Strikes Hollin Bubble Tea: Singapore Outlets Abruptly Close

    Sudden Shutdown Strikes Hollin Bubble Tea: Singapore Outlets Abruptly Close

    In a sudden move that caught consumers by surprise, Hollin Bubble Tea has ceased its operations in Singapore.

    Unexpected Closure

    Hollin Singapore’s social media profiles, including Instagram and Facebook, have been deactivated, and its website is now set to private. Victoria Lim, a 28-year-old marketing executive and a regular customer, noticed the closure after she found her local stores repeatedly shut. Initially, she assumed the closure of the branch at One Holland Village was a temporary measure. However, after several unsuccessful attempts at visiting the store, Lim began to suspect a permanent shutdown.

    Despite these closures, Hollin still appears as an active entity on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s Bizfile portal as of January 12.

    Confirmation from Landlords

    The landlords of the properties Hollin occupied have confirmed the closures. The Far East Organisation, which manages One Holland Village, confirmed that the Hollin outlet there had indeed shut down, despite having opened just a year ago in January. A spokesperson for SingPost Centre has also confirmed that Hollin ceased operations at the mall on January 1.

    Upon checking Google and various mall directories, it appears that Hollin has closed all but one of its Singapore locations.

    Remaining Outlets

    As of January 12, only the Punggol Plaza branch appeared to still be operational. Hollin’s directory listings at SingPost Centre, Suntec City, The Woodleigh Mall, and One Holland Village have been removed from mall websites. Additionally, Grab’s delivery platform shows several Hollin outlets marked as closed.

    Hollin established its presence in Singapore in 2018 with its inaugural store in Toa Payoh. The company then expanded to at least six locations, including Suntec City, Plaza Singapura, and The Woodleigh Mall.

    As of now, Hollin has not issued any official statement regarding the status of its Singapore operations.

    Questions & Answers

    When did Hollin Bubble Tea start its operations in Singapore?
    Hollin Bubble Tea started its operations in Singapore in 2018 with its first store in Toa Payoh.

    Which was the last operational Hollin outlet in Singapore?
    The last operational Hollin outlet in Singapore, as of January 12, was the Punggol Plaza store.

    Has Hollin issued an official statement regarding its closure in Singapore?
    As of now, Hollin has not released any official statement regarding the status of its Singapore operations.

  • Cai Ca: Singapore’s Upcoming Bubble Tea Sensation Takes Over Former Gong Cha Outlets

    Cai Ca: Singapore’s Upcoming Bubble Tea Sensation Takes Over Former Gong Cha Outlets

    Cai Ca, a novel bubble tea brand, conceived and established by the ex-CEO of Gong Cha’s Singapore franchise, Kang Puay Seng, has effectively filled the void left by Gong Cha’s departure from the city-state by taking over six of its former outlets.

    The Birth of Cai Ca

    Cai Ca made its debut in Singapore with stores at prominent locations such as Lot One, Bugis Junction, NUS UTown, King Albert Park, Northpoint City, and Century Square. The brand also has plans for an additional outlet at the National University of Singapore. The development of the new tea brand was an expedited process, taking only a month to come to fruition, a feat achievable due to the vast experience of the founder and his team.

    Menu Highlights

    Cai Ca’s offerings include beverages made with Japanese soya milk and tea, such as Osmanthus Soy Milk Tea, Toffee Chewy Pearl Soy Milk Tea, and Da Hong Pao Soy Milk Tea. In addition to these innovative concoctions, it also offers fresh milk tea and a variety of other tea options. Furthermore, the brand plans to unveil healthier drink options and snacks that perfectly complement its beverages in the near future.

    Gong Cha’s Legacy in Singapore

    Gong Cha, a bubble tea brand originating from Taiwan, was among the pioneers of the bubble tea market in Singapore. Since opening its first outlet in 2009, it rapidly gained popularity among Singaporeans. The brand briefly exited the Singapore market in June 2017, only to return six months later under the new franchisee, Gong Cha Singapore. However, all the 29 Gong Cha outlets in Singapore were closed last month, with plans to reopen in 2026 through new local franchisees with updated Gong Cha 2.0 stores.

    Despite the brand’s fluctuating presence, all full-time staff members of Gong Cha, numbering over 20, were retained and have now been assimilated into the Cai Ca team. Kang expressed his commendation for the team’s resilience, noting the immense pressure they faced and their relentless effort in building the new in-house brand. He emphasised the brand’s intention to first establish a robust brand image and assure product quality before considering further expansion.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Cai Ca’s plan for future outlets?
    The brand has plans to open an additional outlet at the National University of Singapore.

    What are some of the unique offerings on Cai Ca’s menu?
    The menu includes innovative drinks like Osmanthus Soy Milk Tea, Toffee Chewy Pearl Soy Milk Tea, and Da Hong Pao Soy Milk Tea.

    What happened to the staff at Gong Cha after its outlets closed in Singapore?
    All full-time employees at Gong Cha were retained and are now part of the Cai Ca team.

  • Gong Cha Hits Thailand with Bold Expansion: Bubble Tea Giant Targets 100 New Stores in Latest Global Growth Surge

    Gong Cha Hits Thailand with Bold Expansion: Bubble Tea Giant Targets 100 New Stores in Latest Global Growth Surge

    Gong Cha, a leading global bubble tea brand, has recently launched its first concept store in Thailand. The new establishment is a result of a collaboration with Perfect Step, a local master franchisee and a subsidiary of Thai Outdoor Group.

    Strategic Location and Expansion Plan

    The new Gong Cha outlet is strategically located on the third floor of the Beacon Zone in CentralWorld. This store is the first move in an aggressive expansion plan, with the brand aiming to establish up to 100 stores across Thailand in the near future.

    Embracing Technology and Authenticity

    Every proposed Gong Cha outlet will present the brand’s Gong Cha 2.0 design. This modern and innovative design incorporates technology to enhance service speed and adaptability while maintaining the brand’s commitment to serving authentic whole-leaf teas.

    Focused on Global Expansion

    The Thailand launch is another milestone in Gong Cha’s ambitious global expansion plan. The brand recently made its foray into Colombia and aims to establish 10,000 outlets worldwide over the next decade. Gong Cha isn’t just focused on Asian markets; the brand will soon open its first Caribbean outlet at Atlantis Paradise Island.

    Accelerated US Expansion

    In the United States, Gong Cha is rapidly expanding its footprint through multi-unit franchise agreements in Milwaukee, Portland, and Nashville. The bubble tea brand has set a target of surpassing 500 locations across the country by 2028. To achieve this goal, Gong Cha is actively seeking top-tier franchise partners in regions including Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and the Southeastern US.

    Return to the Singapore Market

    Gong Cha had to exit the Singapore market after its franchise agreement with Gong Cha Singapore, which had been operating the brand since 2017, came to an end. However, Gong Cha Global has announced plans to re-enter the market next year.

    Currently, Gong Cha operates 2,200 locations in 30 international markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Gong Cha’s expansion plan for Thailand?
    Gong Cha plans to open up to 100 stores across Thailand.

    What is unique about the new Gong Cha outlets in Thailand?
    The new Gong Cha outlets in Thailand will feature the brand’s Gong Cha 2.0 design, which blends technology and authenticity, enhancing service speed and adaptability while staying true to authentic whole-leaf teas.

    What is Gong Cha’s expansion goal in the United States?
    Gong Cha aims to surpass 500 locations across the US by 2028 through multi-unit franchise agreements.

  • Hanoi Homeowner Transforms Compact Apartment Into Bubble Tea-inspired Oasis

    Hanoi Homeowner Transforms Compact Apartment Into Bubble Tea-inspired Oasis

    A homeowner in Hanoi has transformed her compact apartment into a tranquil oasis, investing VND160 million (approximately US$6,000) in renovations. Embracing a color scheme reminiscent of bubble tea, she has artfully combined soothing shades of beige and brown, creating an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends work and relaxation.

    A Thoughtful Renovation

    Designed and constructed by TG Architects, the apartment has been thoughtfully reimagined to maximize space and functionality while maintaining an aesthetic that encourages calm. The selection of warm, neutral tones not only enhances the ambiance but also evokes a sense of comfort, perfect for both busy workdays and restful evenings.

    Craftsmanship Meets Creativity

    Photography by Humi Studio captures the transformation beautifully, showcasing the harmonious flow of the space. This clever design choice, reminiscent of popular Asian bubble tea drinks, showcases how color can breathe new life into a space, like adding a sprinkle of joy to an otherwise mundane day. It’s proof that even small spaces can hold big dreams when approached with creativity and flair.

    A Harmonious Blend of Life and Work

    The renovation reflects a growing trend among urban dwellers in Asia, where living spaces are becoming multifunctional as people seek to balance their personal and professional lives within the same four walls. The deliberate choice of colors and materials serves not just a visual purpose but also addresses the psychological needs of the homeowner, fostering a serene environment ideally suited for productivity and peace alike.

    Questions & Answers

    What inspired the color choices in the renovation?
    The homeowner drew inspiration from the calming colors associated with bubble tea, opting for beige and brown to create a gentle and inviting atmosphere.

    Who was responsible for the design and construction of the apartment?
    The transformation was guided by TG Architects, who expertly blended function and aesthetics to reimagine the living space.

    What trends does this renovation reflect in urban living spaces?
    The renovation highlights a larger trend in Asia where homeowners are seeking multifunctional spaces that accommodate both work and leisure within their homes.

  • Stray Kids’ Felix Tapped As Global Ambassador For Gong Cha Bubble Tea In Strategic Bid For Gen Z

    Stray Kids’ Felix Tapped As Global Ambassador For Gong Cha Bubble Tea In Strategic Bid For Gen Z

    Taiwanese bubble tea company Gong Cha has announced the enlistment of Felix, a member of the renowned South Korean group Stray Kids, as their global brand ambassador.

    Gong Cha Launches New Campaign

    The brand aims to bolster its global presence with a campaign featuring Felix, set to roll out in Korea in June before making its way to the United States. Gong Cha believes that Felix’s personal experience with their bubble tea, coupled with his love for the product, will serve as an effective introduction of the brand to his global fan base.

    Felix’s Role as a Brand Ambassador

    As a global ambassador, Felix is expected to boost Gong Cha’s brand recognition through high-visibility marketing campaigns showcasing the company’s signature beverages. This partnership is part of Gong Cha’s strategic move to reach out to Generation Z consumers via culturally significant marketing initiatives.

    Gong Cha’s Collaborative Ventures

    In addition to partnering with Felix, Gong Cha has recently teamed up with Line Friends Minini and Final Fantasy XIV. These collaborations aim to attract new consumers to the brand’s offerings, expanding the customer base.

    Questions & Answers

    How will the brand utilize Felix’s association with Gong Cha?
    Felix will be leveraging his global popularity to boost brand awareness through high-profile marketing campaigns featuring Gong Cha beverages.

    What is Gong Cha’s strategy for reaching out to new audiences?
    The company’s strategy involves forging connections with Generation Z customers via culturally significant marketing campaigns and collaborations with popular entities like Line Friends Minini and Final Fantasy XIV.

    What is the significance of Felix’s personal experience with Gong Cha’s products?
    Felix’s personal affinity for bubble tea, and his positive experiences with Gong Cha, are expected to resonate with his global fan base, thereby serving as an effective brand introduction to potential new consumers.

  • Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha hits US$600m in global sales

    Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha hits US$600m in global sales

    Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha has reached US$600 million in global system sales for the 12 months ended December, driven by its rapid global expansion.

    Group revenue also rose 12 percent year-on-year to US$190 million as the brand expanded operations in Japan, South Korea, and the US.

    The company opened 240 new stores and entered five new markets: Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Mauritius, Honduras and Puerto Rico. Gong Cha now operates 2162 stores across 28 countries.

    “It’s been a fantastic year for Gong Cha,” said Paul Reynish, global CEO. “We’ve invested heavily in our supply chain and operations, expanded our footprint through new stores and geographies, and focused on making our existing stores more efficient and profitable for our franchisees.”

    The company recently introduced a new store format, Gong Cha 2.0, alongside a digital kitchen system that features ordering kiosks and automated drink machines.

    The brand also launched several marketing campaigns, including a high-profile collaboration with Final Fantasy XIV and limited-time drink offerings, resulting in more than 1.3 billion media impressions last year.

    “Looking ahead, we see huge potential for Gong Cha to become a global brand,” Reynish added.

    Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong Cha relocated its global headquarters to London in 2019. The company plans to enter at least six new markets this year and reach 10,000 stores globally by 2032.

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  • Milk tea chain Chagee sparks outcry in Malaysia over alleged lucky draw tampering

    Milk tea chain Chagee sparks outcry in Malaysia over alleged lucky draw tampering

    Chinese milk tea chain Chagee has sparked anger among many Malaysian internet users by demanding them to remove videos allegedly showing their employees tampering with a lucky draw.

    The chain last week attracted large crowds at its over 100 outlets in Malaysia by offering luxury prizes such as handbags from Louis Vuitton and Gucci and Apple smartphones.

    Customers were required to find coupons hidden inside Chagee cups to determine if they had won.

    But on Monday an online video went viral, showing a staff member going through the empty cups and putting aside the ones with the top prizes, according to the South China Morning Post.

    People alleged that the staff’s action indicated that the lucky draw was rigged.

    Chagee responded by telling social media users to remove the video “immediately”, which further fueled public outrage.

    “Chagee asked delete the video or else I will be cited for legal action,” X user Naquib said in a post seen by almost 6 million people.

    The chain’s Malaysia social media page was seen with hundreds of comments, with some calling to boycott the brand, same as they had done earlier with other U.S. chains such as Starbucks or McDonald’s for believing that they were connected to Israel in the Middle East conflict.

    Facing backlash, the milk tea chain decided to apologize to defuse the tension, saying that it “deeply regret any negative experience” over the incident.

    It said the behavior shown did not reflect the standards that the brand holds itself to. “We are currently conducting a detailed investigation to better understand the situation and, if necessary, will take appropriate action in line with our values,” Chagee said in a statement.

    It changed the lucky draw mechanism to using QR codes instead of physical coupons.

    Established in Yunnan, China, in 2017, Chagee has experienced rapid growth in Malaysia, thriving despite stiff competition from Taiwanese brands like Chatime, Gong Cha, and local favorite Tealive.

  • Chinese bubble tea chain Heytea arrives in Malaysia

    Chinese bubble tea chain Heytea arrives in Malaysia

    Chinese tea brand Heytea has opened its first store at Kuala Lumpur’s newly-opened shopping destination, The Exchange TRX, as part of Heytea’s ambition to have a larger footprint in the country.

    The new store takes over an 80sqm space of the shopping mall’s Level C.

    The Malaysia launch, which the company described as its “important business destination in Southeast Asia,” follows Heytea’s entry into the UK on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue earlier this year. Malaysia also marks Heytea’s second Southeast Asian market after Singapore, where it entered in 2018.

    The company is also plotting its US debut, with the first store scheduled to open in Manhattan this month.

    Heytea is among the major retailers making market debuts at The Exchange TRX, including Japan’s Seibu department store, Gentle Monster, Shake Shack, and Drunk Elephant.

    Founded in 2012, the Shenzhen-headquartered tea chain is known for modern interior design and “new-generation Chinese tea drinks.”

  • Vietnam pho, milk tea franchised for first time in Philippines

    Vietnam pho, milk tea franchised for first time in Philippines

    The famous noodles dish pho has been franchised for the first time in the Philippines along with milk tea and spa services by three Vietnam’s companies.

    Pho’S, Phuc Tea and Care With Love have signed franchise contracts with Philippine businesses through the ecosystem of Go Global Holdings, a company that helps small and medium-sized businesses become franchisers, its CEO, Nguyen Tuan Quynh, said Thursday.

    Many foreign brands have been rushing into Vietnam to franchise their products and services in recent years, but there have been few such efforts in the reverse direction, and even fewer have succeeded, he said.

    “These franchise contracts are therefore positive signs for Vietnamese firms.”

    Tran Thao Vi, founder of spa service provider Care With Love, told VnExpress that a franchise deal has been signed with a Philippine partner specializing in medical services.

    “In two months we will launch our first franchise in the Philippines and open another three in the first quarter next year, and eventually have dozens of spas in the country.”

    Care With Love has been operating for 11 years with 13 branches. It plans to increase the number to 20 by the end of this year, 80% of them franchises.

    Tran Nhat Vu, co-founder of beverage chain Phuc Tea, which has 140 stores in Vietnam after six years since opening, said the franchise partner would open around 20 stores in the Philippine capital Manila next year.

    The franchise fee for each Pho’S and Phuc Tea store is US$7,000-10,000.

    The three companies said the Philippines partners were interested because their business models are “unique” with their focus on middle-class customers.

    Pho’S is the first major company to use ginseng in its recipe, while Phuc Tea has been making new beverages from unusual ingredients.

    The three companies are also in talks for franchising in Indonesia and Malaysia.

    Vietnamese companies to launch franchises overseas so far are footwear and leather company T&T, Pho 24 and Vu Giang Jsc under the brand Bobby Brewers coffee chain.

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  • Chupa Chups x Chatime launch lolly-inspired boba drinks

    Chupa Chups x Chatime launch lolly-inspired boba drinks

    Chupa Chups has partnered with boba franchise Chatime to launch drinks based on the lolly brand’s best-selling flavors: Grape and Strawberry & Cream.

    Dubbed “The Tea That Pops”, the lolly-based boba beverages are available in Chatime T-breweries nationwide from September 19 until October 31.

    “It’s not just a drink; it’s a whole vibe!” expressed Marta Ballesteros, global licensing manager for Perfetti Van Melle, the parent company of Chupa Chups.

    “I hope our Australian fans are all set to dive into a world of forever fun flavor and will give the sweetest launch of the season a go!”

    The Grape Chupa Tea is a green tea base with grape jellies to add an “extra pop”, while the Strawberries & Cream Chupa Tea is a milky tea with a strawberry-vanilla flavor and a dollop of creamy mousse.

    According to Gabi Bishop, senior brand manager at Chatime, the collaboration aims to demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation.

    “Our exciting partnership with Chupa Chups not only introduces a delicious new range of limited-edition teas to our customers but also energizes our vibrant breweries with a fun and playful campaign,” concluded Bishop.

    “We can’t wait to share it with our industry peers and tea enthusiasts!”

    The Grape Chupa Tea is priced at $7.50 for a regular size and $8.35 for a large, while the Strawberries & Cream Chupa Tea is available for $8.10 for a regular and $8.95 for a large.

    Asembl, a leading brand extension agency representing Perfetti Van Melle, brokered the partnership.

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  • Malaysian bubble tea chain brewing up rapid expansion, to revisit IPO plans

    Malaysian bubble tea chain brewing up rapid expansion, to revisit IPO plans

    Malaysia’s Loob Holding, which owns Southeast Asia’s biggest bubble tea brand by stores, will consider plans for a share listing once it reaches its target of operating 1,000 Tealive stores in the country by 2024, its top executive said.

    “By then, we may consider an IPO if the timing and pricing are attractive,” Bryan Loo, Loob’s chief executive officer, told Reuters in an interview.

    Loob, which opened its 800th Tealive store in Malaysia last month, had previously planned for a Malaysian IPO but put it on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, according to a media report.

    In June last year, Loob gained funding from Malaysian private equity fund Creador, which bought a 30% stake in it but the companies did not provide financial details.

    “With Creador on board, our options for funding have indeed widened very much,” Loo said, adding that Loob was “adequately funded” for its current planned expansion.

    “So the question of whether we will go for an IPO and if so, in which market, is best re-visited a year from now,” said Loo, who founded Loob in 2010 and launched Tealive in 2017.

    Tealive makes and sells beverages ranging from pearl milk tea to coffee and has expanded to countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia and the United Kingdom.

    The expansion comes a time when Malaysia’s economy grew at its fastest annual pace in a year in the second quarter, with consumer spending picking up strongly following the easing of coronavirus restriction. Other milk tea brands such as CHAGEE and KOI have also expanded rapidly in the Southeast Asian country.

    Loob is also gearing up to double Tealive’s store count in the Philippines annually, with a target of 300 stores by 2024 from 25 currently, Loo said.

    Besides Tealive, Loob also owns sparkling water maker Sodaxpress, kombucha brand Wonderbrew and coffee brand Bask Bear Coffee. Loob is expanding at a rate of 100 Tealive and 100 Bask Bear Coffee outlets a year in Malaysia, according to Loo.

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