Bubble Tea Kang Cha chain launched in Portugal
The Taiwanese operator will follow up its new store in Lisbon with two more stores in Porto as part of broader expansion plans in Europe.
Portugal marks Kong Serra’s third European market | Photo credit: Gong Cha
Gong Cha marked ‘another significant milestone’ in its European expansion by opening its first store in Portugal.
The Lisbon opening will be followed by two more stores in Porto in 2023, said Taiwanese bubbler Dee Cha.
Portugal represents Kong Saw’s third European market. The company launched in the UK in 2019 and currently operates 11 outlets across the country and started in belgium In August 2022.
“The launch of Kong Cha in Portugal marks another significant milestone in our European expansion and we look forward to bringing the Kong Cha brand to Lisbon and Porto,” said Paul Reinish, Global CEO of Kong Cha.
Gong Cha’s Portuguese stores will be managed by owner Amelie Morisot, described by Gong Cha as a retail and marketing professional.
“Kong Cha’s premium products, simple and scalable operating model and strong corporate backing make it one of the fastest growing bubble tea brands in the world. We believe that the key to our success is our high quality products – especially among younger people – combined with the huge bubble tea consumption trend,” said Morisot.
Founded in Taiwan in 1996, Kong Cha Opera has approximately 1,800 stores in 20 countries, including Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and South Korea.
According to research cited by Gong Cha, the global bubble tea market is expected to be worth approximately £4.3 billion by 2027, with Europe expected to grow the fastest.
Along with European expansion, the company is targeting 500 stores in the US by 2025. It currently operates about 120 stores in the country.