Gong cha to make North Africa debut with Morocco launch

Franchisee Mad Vision Group is seeking to open a total of 15 Gong cha stores in Morocco | Photo credit: Gong cha

Bubble tea chain Gong cha will make its North Africa debut this month with a store in Casablanca, Morocco. 
 

Franchisee Mad Vision Group is seeking to open a total of 15 Gong cha stores in the North African country, adding to its current Gong cha footprint in Belgium and France. 

In addition to developing its partnership with Mad Vision Group, the deal also advances Gong cha’s focus on the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. In January 2024, Gong cha signed the ‘largest master franchise agreement in its history’ with Saudi Arabia’s Shahia Foods Group to open 300 stores across the Middle East. 
 

The MENA bubble tea market is forecast to grow at 7.5% CAGR by 2023, according to data cited by Gong cha. 

“Mad Vision Group have been an excellent partner for Gong cha. They've already opened more than 10 stores in Benelux and France. We’re excited to be opening our third market with them in Morocco, with a 160sq m flagship store. This will also be Gong cha's first foray into Africa – a high-growth market with significant upside in the years ahead. Our east-to-west story continues with our 24th country opening,” said Paul Reynish, Global CEO, Gong cha. 

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Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha operates more than 2,100 stores in 23 markets. Alongside planned MENA expansion, the brand has also outlined ambitious growth plans in the UK, US and Central America.  

In addition to Gong cha, Belgium-based Mad Vision Group also operates the fast-food brands O’Tacos, Chick & Cheez and Go Fish across the Benelux region.