Gong Cha to open 225 new UK stores in the coming years

Gong Cha was founded in Taiwan but is now based in London and says it is one of the largest brands in the world for bubble tea – a cold drink that contains milk and chewy tapioca balls (available in different flavours).

The customisable drink is believed to have been created in Taiwan in the 1980s and has been popularised around the world in recent years.

Gong Cha currently has about 2100 shops globally including 13 in the UK.

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Gong Cha to open more than 200 UK stores in major expansion

A franchise agreement with Jinziex will now see the launch of at least 225 new Gong Cha shops across the UK over the coming years as part of a major expansion.

This is set to create nearly 2000 jobs in the UK and forms part of plans to open 10,000 stores around the world by 2032.

Gong Cha's global chief executive, Paul Reynish, said the UK market has “huge potential” with consumers “willing to try new and exciting products”.

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He added: “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.”

Gong Cha has been contacted for further comment and a list of possible sites for the new shops.