The Thriving Milk Tea Franchise Industry in the Philippines: A Guide to Popular Brands and Prices
The milk tea craze in the Philippines is far from over, with the beverage gaining massive popularity over the past few years. From its humble origins in Taiwan, milk tea has become a significant part of Filipino culture, with countless milk tea shops popping up in nearly every city. Many entrepreneurs have seized this trend by investing in milk tea franchises, capitalizing on the growing demand. If you are considering venturing into the milk tea business or simply curious about the franchise options available in the Philippines, here’s a guide to some of the most popular milk tea franchises and their prices.
Why Invest in a Milk Tea Franchise?
Milk tea is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The growing trend is fueled by its delicious combination of tea, milk, and unique toppings like tapioca pearls, pudding, and jelly. Milk tea offers a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee, and with the Philippines’ love for beverages, especially sweet drinks, it’s no surprise that milk tea has gained a huge following.
Milk tea shops are not only attracting millennials but also families, students, and office workers looking for a quick and tasty refreshment. For entrepreneurs, opening a milk tea franchise is an attractive opportunity because of its relatively low overhead costs, strong brand recognition, and growing customer base.
Popular Milk Tea Franchises in the Philippines
Here are some of the most popular milk tea franchises in the country, along with information about their initial franchise costs, royalties, and other important details.
1. Chatime
Franchise Fee: PHP 350,000 to PHP 600,000
Total Investment: PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 2,000,000
Royalties: 5%
Advertising Fee: 1%
Description: Chatime is one of the biggest milk tea brands in the Philippines, offering a wide variety of drinks made from high-quality ingredients. Known for their commitment to freshness and innovation, Chatime has captured the hearts of Filipinos all over the country. They also provide extensive support to their franchisees, making them a popular choice for investors.
Why Choose Chatime:
Chatime’s well-established brand and wide range of customizable drinks are among the reasons it remains a top choice. The brand also has a strong presence in both urban and suburban areas.
2. Gong Cha
Franchise Fee: PHP 450,000 to PHP 750,000
Total Investment: PHP 1,200,000 to PHP 2,500,000
Royalties: 5%
Advertising Fee: 1%
Description: Gong Cha is another global milk tea chain that has made a strong impact in the Philippines. Their premium quality teas and customizable toppings have made them a top contender in the competitive market. Gong Cha’s menu includes both traditional and innovative flavors, including their signature Milk Foam drinks.
Why Choose Gong Cha:
The brand’s excellent reputation and loyal customer base, as well as its high-quality product offering, make it a great choice for aspiring franchisees.
3. Tiger Sugar
Franchise Fee: PHP 700,000 to PHP 1,200,000
Total Investment: PHP 2,000,000 to PHP 3,500,000
Royalties: 5%
Advertising Fee: 1%
Description: Tiger Sugar is widely known for its “Brown Sugar Milk Tea,” which is beautifully crafted with caramelized sugar, creating a visually striking drink. The brand’s success is largely due to the distinctive appeal of its signature drink and the impressive presentation of their beverages.
Why Choose Tiger Sugar:
Tiger Sugar’s unique offerings and visually appealing drinks make it stand out in a crowded market. It is perfect for those looking to tap into a niche market for trendy, Instagram-worthy drinks.
4. Sharetea
Franchise Fee: PHP 350,000 to PHP 600,000
Total Investment: PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 1,500,000
Royalties: 5%
Advertising Fee: 2%
Description: With more than a decade of experience in the milk tea business, Sharetea offers a large variety of drinks, including fruit teas, milk teas, and smoothies. It is known for using only the highest-quality tea leaves and ingredients, and the brand’s menu is consistently updated with new flavors to keep customers coming back.
Why Choose Sharetea:
As one of the oldest brands in the Philippines, Sharetea has a well-established market presence. Its diverse menu and reputation for quality make it a great franchise option for those looking for a reliable brand.
5. Serenitea
Franchise Fee: PHP 300,000 to PHP 500,000
Total Investment: PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 1,500,000
Royalties: 5%
Advertising Fee: 2%
Description: Serenitea is a popular Filipino-owned milk tea brand, widely recognized for its premium brewed teas and wide selection of toppings. They are also known for offering customizable sweetness and ice levels, catering to Filipino preferences for personalized beverages.
Why Choose Serenitea:
Serenitea’s focus on quality and customer experience sets it apart. It is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to build a franchise that has a strong local following.
6. Macau Imperial Tea
Franchise Fee: PHP 500,000 to PHP 900,000
Total Investment: PHP 1,500,000 to PHP 3,000,000
Royalties: 5%
Advertising Fee: 1%
Description: Macau Imperial Tea is a brand that combines the culture of Macau with the exciting trends of milk tea. The brand has rapidly expanded across the country, offering an extensive menu of milk teas, coffee blends, and even savory snacks. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients makes them a go-to brand for milk tea lovers.
Why Choose Macau Imperial Tea:
Macau Imperial Tea’s rich history, diverse menu, and strong brand identity make it an attractive choice for aspiring milk tea franchisees.
Conclusion
The milk tea franchise industry in the Philippines shows no signs of slowing down, with new and established brands continuing to captivate consumers with their refreshing drinks and unique offerings. Whether you choose a global brand like Chatime or Gong Cha, or a local favorite like Serenitea, each franchise provides a solid foundation for success.
With initial investments ranging from PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 3,500,000, milk tea franchises provide a relatively affordable opportunity for those looking to enter the food and beverage industry. However, it’s essential to research the brand that aligns best with your business goals and target market.
Milk tea is not just a drink—it’s a lifestyle. By choosing the right franchise, you can be part of this thriving industry while offering Filipinos the drinks they love.
