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The bubble tea brand is expanding the world over.
Gong Cha, a Taiwanese bubble tea brand with 1,300 locations situated across 19 countries, has announced plans to double-down on European franchise growth; a market that, according to Allied Market Research, has a bubble tea industry worth over $300m, growing at nine per cent every year.
To facilitate this growth, Gong Cha has recently brought on board key industry talent, including Einar Gustafsson, CEO, Americas & Europe. Gustafsson was previously MD for Bakkavor Asia, an integrated food manufacturing company, which he helped to grow in China.
“I am excited to share the Gong Cha opportunity with interested potential franchisees,” said Gustafsson. “Gong Cha is a leading brand in a fast-growing category, and the unit model economics are very attractive. With a fairly straightforward operating model and relatively low upfront capital requirements, a Gong Cha franchise investment is compelling.”
Another key addition to the Gong Cha team is James Sollars, who joined as COO of Gong Cha Europe. Prior to this, he spent more than 20 years with Pret A Manger, leading growth throughout the U.S. and China.
“Gong Cha’s menu of 600 customizable bubble teas has earned the company a loyal following among bubble tea enthusiasts,” said Sollars. “Our teas have become one of the most ‘instagrammable’ beverages on the market and a true winner with our Gen Z customers.”
Gong cha’s bubble tea is a premium milk tea infused with pearls (chewy pearl-shaped tapioca), flavored with fruit and other toppings, and usually served over ice. Its top flavors include Pearl Milk Tea and Brown Sugar Milk Tea, and the brand regularly offers seasonal products, such as Mango Milk Foam Slush and Crème Brulee. In total, it offers 600 combinations.
