Taiwan’s beloved bubble milk tea has become a global sensation, rapidly winning the hearts of consumers in North America, especially in the United States.
Yelp, a prominent U.S. food rating platform, reports a remarkable surge of over 60% in the number of bubble milk tea shops across seven major U.S. cities from 2019 to 2020. Cities like Chicago and Philadelphia lead the trend, showcasing the growing popularity of this Taiwanese beverage.
Market research projections indicate that the U.S. bubble milk tea market, valued at $640 million in 2023, is poised to reach an impressive $2.2 billion within the next decade.
Huang Chung-pi, director of international operations management at a pearl milk tea company, attributes this trend to the drink’s widespread appeal among younger demographics and its increasing accessibility through a growing number of dedicated stores.
Tapioca pearls emerged as the largest food import from Taiwan to the U.S. The country imported approximately 30.5 million kilograms of raw materials specifically for tapioca pearl production from Taiwan during the same year.
Chen Kun-tse, marketing manager at a food company specializing in tapioca pearls, emphasizes the company’s efforts to enhance efficiency through factory automation. Notably, 30% of their tapioca pearl products are exported to the U.S.
Online influencers and the rising global appreciation for Asian culture, spurred by the popularity of phenomena like K-pop, are cited as additional factors contributing to the widespread success of bubble milk tea.
As a quintessential local snack in Taiwan, bubble milk tea continues its upward trajectory, captivating palates and solidifying its place as a cultural and culinary delight in North America.
