Gong cha thrives in challenging economy; exceeds 1,400 locations at year end; plans additional expansion this year

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gong cha, one of the world�s most recognized Taiwanese bubble tea brands, continued its rapid expansion in 2020, opening new locations in multiple markets amid a challenging economic environment.

Last year, Gong cha opened 220 stores around the world, including 36 North American locations in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The company now has a presence in 19 countries, with more than 1,400 locations. Building on this foundation, Gong cha will continue to grow in 2021, actively seeking additional franchisees across North America, Europe and Latin America. In the U.S., the company will be growing its presence in existing and new markets, including New York, Chicago, Portland, Seattle and Denver.

�We are excited by the ongoing demand for Gong cha, indicative of our product�s multicultural, international appeal,� said Einar Gustafsson, Gong cha CEO, Americas & Europe. �Younger demographic groups in particular are enthusiastically embracing bubble tea as their beverage of choice. As a leading brand in this fast-growing category, with a straightforward operating model, Gong cha offers a compelling franchise investment opportunity. We welcome new franchisees as we continue to expand our footprint in key markets around the world.�

Gong cha�s famous bubble tea is a premium milk tea infused with pearls (delicious chewy pearl-shaped tapioca), flavored with fruit and other toppings and usually served over ice. Gong cha�s top flavors include Pearl Milk Tea and Brown Sugar Milk Tea, and the company always offers innovative seasonal products, such as Mango Milk Foam Slush and Cr�me Brulee. Gong cha uses only the highest-quality, premium tea sourced from the finest tea estates of the famous Alesha region in Taiwan, serving freshly-brewed, customized bubble tea in 600 combinations, offering customers a new bubble tea experience with every visit. The company�s dedication to quality is the foundation of its promise to customers, helping to generate repeat business.

In addition to growing its market presence, Gong cha will also be expanding its bubble tea offerings in 2021, continuing the company�s well-known product innovation. This will include the February launch of the company�s Chocolate Lava Series, and the return of the popular Little Star Jelly Series. In April, the company will introduce a Heart Shaped Jelly Series of bubble tea, including Strawberry Honey Tea, Strawberry Milk Tea and Strawberry Smoothie flavors.

For more information on available territories and how to join the Gong cha franchise family, contact Mr. Gustafsson at [email protected].

About Gong cha Group

Founded in 2006, Gong cha is one of the most recognized Taiwanese tea brands in the world. Gong cha, which translates to �tribute tea for the emperor,� provides quality tea, products and services, sourcing ingredients from selected suppliers and offering customers freshly brewed tea. Gong cha�s leading product is its famous Taiwanese-style bubble tea, which is sweet milk tea infused with pearl-shaped tapioca. Gong cha also offers a variety of seasonal and specialty tea-based drinks. There are more than 1,400 Gong cha stores in 19 countries, including Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, please visit www.gong-cha.com/en.

Contacts

Philip Nunes

BackBay Communications

617-391-0792

[email protected]