Global bubble tea innovator Chatime has expanded in Hong Kong and Thailand to deliver its cups of joy for the holiday season.
After its success with existing stores in Wan Chai, Central, and Mong Kok, Chatime Hong Kong opened a second Mong Kok store on December 15, which sold more than 500 cups per day during its first days of trading. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Thailand, Chatime opened two stores in the Mall Lifestore Bangkapi on December 28 and in the Mall Lifestore Bangkhae on New Year’s Eve.
With an additional presence in these two markets, Chatime further strengthens the brand’s popularity in the Asia-Pacific region. Chatime expects to expand its store numbers in these two markets by an additional 30 to 50 stores within three years, with a focus on high-end malls within major cities.
Global bubble tea sensation
Chatime is the leading brand of bubble tea in Apac countries with a franchise network of 1500 stores worldwide across 63 markets. Last year, Chatime entered five new markets, continuing its double-digit growth in global store expansion, becoming one of the largest bubble tea franchises in the world. Having seen the potential growth of Asian markets such as Hong Kong and Thailand, it is confident about its expansion plan for the new year.
Key success factors
What makes Chatime distinct is its technology-driven franchise support, product innovation, and global marketing initiatives. To ensure the success of its franchise partners, Chatime provides a series of support ranging from store development, supply chain, training, products, and operations to sales and marketing.
Being the most innovative brand in the bubble tea industry, Chatime introduced more than 30 new drinks last year, including limited-time offerings (LTO) based on partnerships with global F&B brands. These include popular favourites like variations of bubble milk teas, mango and pineapple fruit teas, new innovations such as dalgona toffee drinks, and new toppings like honeydew pudding.
Chatime uses research to identify the latest trends in consumer tastes preference, and actively cooperates with brands like KitKat, Milo, and Red Bull, to come up with new sensations. Chatime also cooperated with IP brands like Pokémon Go and SpongeBob to create flavours based on the characters, ultimately increasing sales and store traffic. Each year it organises competitions, conferences and an exciting Global Tea-Rista competition celebrated by more than 16 nations.
“Through continuous innovation, growth, and strengthening, we face the changing market with an even more resolute attitude,” said Henry Wang, chairman of Chatime.
The company aims to grow to 4000 stores worldwide by 2026. With a strong presence in Australia and Asia, Chatime is planning on rapidly developing in the US, Europe, and South America in the coming years.
For Chatime franchising queries please reach out to international sales manager Ariel Lin (ariel.lin@lakaffagroup.com) or international sales director (ann.lee@lakaffa.com.tw) +886-3-5507750.
