CoCo Bubble Tea announces new openings in Southeast Asia
Tapioca tea brand CoCo Bubble Tea is announcing new store openings in Malaysia and Cambodia later this spring. Along with the new locations, CoCo will seek to further customise and cater to varied local tastes to meet growing demand for diversified refreshments.
CoCo is set to open the first location of a planned multi-store franchise in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in May, with additional outlets expected to launch later in 2025. The stores will serve beverages made using Halal-certified ingredients, reflecting the company’s aim to cater to a diverse customer base. In addition, CoCo held a soft opening for its first store in Cambodia on 13 April. Located in Phnom Penh, the new outlet represents an expansion of the brand’s presence in Southeast Asia.
“Our franchise network from the dynamic Southeast Asia region does an excellent job innovating and harnessing the flourishing bubble tea market here,” noted Kody Wong, deputy general manager of business development at CoCo Bubble Tea. “We are immensely grateful to have such strong franchise partners. With these latest openings, we are doubling down on our efforts to engage diverse consumers across a region that is growing rapidly.”
As demand for “new tea” beverages continues to grow in Southeast Asia, CoCo is adapting its approach to better align with evolving consumer preferences in the region. While bubble tea was once regarded as a premium refreshment, it is now being tailored to suit the tastes of a broader, more diverse consumer base. CoCo’s use of local flavours and its customisable drink options have contributed to the brand’s appeal among middle-class consumers, who are gaining greater purchasing power.
CoCo established its presence in Southeast Asia in 2012 and has experienced notable success in several markets. In the Philippines, for example, the company operates over 120 stores nationwide and maintains a strong brand presence. The market is characterised by high levels of customer engagement, with 99% of its clientele made up of Filipino consumers. The Philippines also records the brand’s highest average store sales in the region, highlighting CoCo’s ability to cater effectively to local tastes.
