Ediya Coffee plans rapid expansion in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur debut

Ediya Coffee is South Korea’s largest coffee chain with 4,000 stores | Photo credit: via Shutterstock

South Korea’s Ediya Coffee has launched in Malaysia with a two-storey, drive-thru outlet at Kuala Lumpur’s Elmina Lakeside Mall. 
 

The coffee franchise will serve a ‘K-specialised’ menu, including Sweet Potato Lattes and beverages infused with sikhye, a sweet Korean rice, and a food menu featuring popular Korean items, such as cruongji croissants and potato corn dogs. 

“This entry into Malaysia is the result of the secret and challenge spirit of the 20 years we have accumulated as a Korean coffee brand. We will continue to make various efforts to promote the charm of Korean coffee in the global market,” an Ediya Coffee spokesperson said. 

Ediya Coffee signed a master franchise agreement to launch in the Southeast Asian country in June 2024 and has outlined a goal of opening 200 sites in partnership with a consortium of local food service companies and distributors. Two further Ediya Coffee stores are planned to open in Malaysia within the next month. 

Ediya Coffee chairman Moon Chang-ki told reporters in June that entering Malaysia would ‘lay the foundation for pioneering the Southeast Asian coffee market’. 

Founded in 2001, Ediya Coffee is the largest coffee chain in South Korea with 4,000 outlets. 

Malaysia is the coffee chain’s first major international market after an unsuccessful attempt to gain a foothold in China 15 years ago and opening its first overseas store on the US island territory of Guam in 2023. 

Ediya Coffee joins US bakery-café chain Cinnabon, Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons and Chinese premium tea chain Naixue in launching in Malaysia this year. China’s largest coffee chain Luckin Coffee will enter the market in the first quarter of 2025 as part of an exclusive licensing deal with Hextar Industries Berhad.