Taiwanese tea brand Yi Fang Fruit Tea is expanding its retail network globally despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The founder of Yi Fang, Ko Tzu-kai, said the brand will open more stores in northern California where consumers are seeking healthier beverage options. More stores will follow later this year in Dubai along with European countries, including Paris and Sweden.

Yi Fang operates more than 170 branches outside Taiwan, including Japan, China, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The brand aims to reach 200 stores by the end of this year. 

According to UDN, since July, Yi Fang has opened more than 12 outlets across regions including Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Canada. Yi Fang’s offshore sales account for about 40 per cent of the brand’s revenue.

Last year, the brand was forced to close more than 30 outlets in Taiwan after its announcement to support China’s “one country, two systems” policy triggered a boycott in the country.