Gong Cha: Bubble tea brand to open 225 new UK stores in nationwide expansion

Bubble tea aficionado Gong Cha has unveiled ambitious expansion plans to launch over 225 stores in the UK, a move set to generate nearly 2,000 jobs, following a franchise agreement with Costa Coffee heavyweight Jinziex.

Originating from Taiwan in 2006 and now headquartered in London, Gong Cha's partnership with Jinziex is a key part of its global strategy to hit 10,000 outlets by 2032, as reported by City AM.

Jinziex, a nascent venture, is steered by a trio of industry experts: Diljit Brar of Goldex, Azha Rehman from Kaspa's Desserts, and Steve Falle, managing director at WY&SF Ltd.

With a presence in 28 countries through more than 2,100 locations, Gong Cha currently operates 13 stores within the UK.

Despite facing financial challenges as reported by City AM in September 2024, with sales declines in Korea, the US, and Australia, Gong Cha remains optimistic about its UK prospects.

The first batch of Jinziex's Gong Cha stores are slated to open their doors in April, with locations including Sidcup, Gravesend, Romford, and Hornchurch.

Paul Reynish, the global CEO of Gong Cha, expressed his enthusiasm for the UK market, stating: "Across Europe we continue to see fantastic interest from potential franchisees keen to bring the world's fastest-growing tea brand to their market."

He added, "But where it mattered most to us was the UK, which is one of the most exciting markets for us globally."

Reynish concluded with confidence in their new partnership: "After a careful selection process, we're delighted to partner with Jinziex – a proven and highly respected food and beverage franchise operator – who match our ambitions to become the clear bubble tea market leader in the UK.

"As a market, the UK has huge potential for us. It's a market that is constantly evolving, ripe with innovation, and made up of consumers willing to try new and exciting products."

"We firmly believe it is one of the most significant markets in the global F&B industry, and one of the reasons we relocated our global HQ to London in 2019."

"Now, with our expanded footprint, we want to play a leading role in shaping the next decade of the UK's food and beverage industry, while cementing Gong Cha as a household name. We can't wait to show the UK how tea is meant to be."

Diljit Brar, CEO of Goldex, added: "Gong Cha is a fantastic global brand with a truly unique customer offer that plays into the heart of changing consumer tastes and trends."