UK bubble tea business Gong Cha eyes Middle East with franchise agreement

Bubble tea business Gong Cha is looking to open at least 300 units in the Middle East after signing a master franchise agreement with Shahia Foods Group.

Shahia Foods Group will add Gong Cha to its extensive list of franchised brands, including the likes of Dunkin’ Donuts and Arby’s.

One of the Gulf’s biggest food companies, Shahia Foods Group runs more than 800 retail sites.

Gong Cha was originally launched in Taiwan in 1996, but is now based in London and backed by private equity firm TA Associates.

Gong Cha opened its first UK store in 2019 and has capitalised on the popularity of bubble tea to open a further 14 outlets, in cities including Nottingham, Manchester, Brighton and London.

Paul Reynish, global CEO of Gong Cha, said: “We’re delighted to announce our landmark partnership with the Shahia Foods Group to bring Gong cha’s quality tea to the Middle East. With a strong portfolio of global brands, extensive locations across key markets, and long-standing relationships, we believe the Shahia Foods Group is the perfect partner to help fulfil our expansion ambitions in the Middle East. We look forward to working with the team to launch our new stores in the months ahead.”