TEALIVE, the Southeast Asian most loved boba store, has landed in North America through its first store in downtown Ottawa, Canada last week.
The grand opening saw the store at Somerset Street downtown being swamped by eager boba lovers.
Gracing the occasion were local influencers like Eric Chan of Ottawa Nibbles, Melissa of Mels Hangry Table, Allie of YumYumYow, Marilou of 20ys and Anglea of Anglea Bites.
According to Loob Holding Sdn Bhd founder and CEO Bryan Loo, Tealive has focused on expanding in Southeast Asia and was not particularly targeting North America until it was approached by an established business group involved in running pastry and bakery businesses.
“We’re convinced that our chosen local partner in Canada will be a good fit as they have over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage segment,” he enthused.
“This entry into Canada and planned expansion across the country will give us an opportunity to learn more about the North American market up close. So, we may tap into the lucrative US market next.”
Loo’s partners have travelled to Southeast Asia where they have been exposed to Tealive. They are fond of the brand’s reach, format being scalable with many store sizes and that Tealive is operating in petrol stations.
Furthermore, they are also impressed with the focus on the drive-through as drive-throughs are a staple in the North American market. They recognise the versatile business model and are sure this would be an ideal format for Western markets like the US.
With the extensive range of drinks in their portfolio and current extension into food through Tealive Eats, Loo’s partners are convinced that Tealive is a unique offering in the boba market and in line with their brand promise of ‘Always More Than Tea’.
“You can see that we have a food menu that sets us apart from the typical pearl milk tea industry. Our Canadian launch menu is indeed innovative and exciting with the drinks and food that are curated for local palates without compromising our unique Tealive breakthrough experience,” Loo shared.
Tealive’s brand promise of ‘Always More Than Tea’ can be seen in the wide range of specialty coffees, signature toasteas and artisanal food that are suitable for different times of the day.
The brand has also extended the menu into Mac & Cheese, fried snacks and offer value meals and combos macarons, pastries and cakes.
Loo is bullish on the potential of the global bubble tea market and wants to position Loob to be prepared to ride the next wave.
“According to leading market research firm Facts and Factors, the Global Bubble Tea Market size was valued at around US$2.1 bil in 2020 and is estimated to grow to about US$4.5 bil by 2026, at a compounded annual growth rate of 8.1% between 2021 and 2026,” he said.
“Tealive is known as the brand that’s ‘Born in Malaysia, Raised for the World’. Now, thanks to our millions of customers in 10 countries, we’re truly global as we’re present in five continents,” he quipped. – Nov 30, 2022
