Gong Cha to return to Singapore

BUBBLE tea brand Gong Cha announced its return to Singapore, this time under the leadership of Kang Puay Peng, the ex co-founder and managing director of successful soya milk brand Mr Bean.

A veteran in the food and beverage business, Mr Kang will be the new CEO of Gong Cha (Singapore).

Royal Taiwan Tea, the company behind the Gong Cha brand, said in a statement that the appointment of Gong Cha (Singapore) as the new master franchisee is a first step in its "quest to bring back the old Gong Cha everyone knows and loves, but in a better way than before".

It said: "Singapore has always been a key market for Gong Cha. Since the end of our previous franchise agreement, we have emphasised that we very much intend to continue to have a presence here."

Royal Taiwan Tea received over 100 applications for the master franchise for the Singapore market.

Gong Cha operates more than 1,300 stores globally, and is eyeing an expansion in the Singapore market.

It plans to launch its first store in the third quarter of 2017, with the aim of opening multiple outlets in the following months. It is also planning to unveil a fresh look for its stores in Singapore as well as new offerings on the menu, in addition to its original flavours.

Gong Cha (Singapore) is in discussions with various real estate companies, and will be finalising the locations of the outlets in the coming weeks.