The Taiwanese operator will follow its new store in Lisbon with two more sites in Porto as part of wider expansion plans in Europe
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Portugal represents Gong cha’s third European market | Photo credit: Gong cha
Gong cha has marked ‘another significant milestone’ in its European expansion by opening its first store in Portugal.
The Taiwanese bubble tea cha said the Lisbon opening will be followed by two further stores in Porto in 2023.
Portugal represents Gong cha’s third European market. The company made its debut in the UK in 2019 and currently operates 11 outlets across the country and launched in Belgium in August 2022.
“Gong cha’s launch in Portugal marks another significant milestone in our European expansion, and we can’t wait to bring the Gong cha brand to Lisbon and Porto,” said Paul Reynish, Global CEO, Gong cha.
Gong cha’s Portuguese stores will be managed by franchisee Amélie Morisot, described by Gong cha as an experienced retail and marketing professional.
“Gong cha’s premium products, simple and scalable operating model and strong corporate support, makes it one of the fastest growing bubble tea brands in the world. We believe that our key to success is our high-quality products combined with the huge bubble tea consumption trend - especially among the younger demographic,” Morisot said.
Founded in Taiwan in 1996, Gong cha operates approximately 1,800 outlets across 20 countries, including Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and South Korea.
According to research cited by Gong cha, the global bubble tea market is projected to be worth approximately £4.3bn by 2027, with Europe expected to achieve the fastest growth.
Alongside European expansion, the company is also targeting 500 US stores by 2025. It currently operates approximately 120 stores in the country.