A Canadian bubble tea company, Bobba, is making headlines following a controversial appearance on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, where their pitch sparked a debate over cultural appropriation. The company, co-founded by Quebec entrepreneurs Sebastian Fiset and Jessica Frenette, sought a $1 million investment in exchange for 18% of their business, presenting their bottled bubble tea as a “convenient and healthier” take on the beloved Taiwanese drink. However, the pitch met with concerns from Dragons’ Den judge and Canadian actor Simu Liu, who questioned whether the brand was appropriating a drink deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture.
Bubble tea, or “boba,” originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become an international sensation, especially among North American and Asian communities. Bobba’s founders aimed to offer a ready-to-drink, bottled version featuring popping boba and even an alcoholic twist, but their branding approach and promotion as a “better” bubble tea experience triggered scrutiny.
Simu Liu, a celebrated actor and advocate for Asian representation, challenged the notion of presenting bubble tea in a modified, Westernized format. “This idea of taking something that is very distinctly Asian in its identity and, quote-unquote, ‘making it better,’ is an issue,” Liu stated on the show, ultimately declining to invest in Bobba.
Other investors, including Dragon Manjit Minhas, who had initially expressed interest, announced that she withdrew her offer after reflecting on the cultural implications. “After listening to opinions and further consideration, I cannot support this business direction,” she explained on Instagram.
Following the wave of social media backlash, Bobba issued a public apology on Instagram, stressing they never intended to disrespect the origins of bubble tea or imply their product was superior to traditional versions. “At no point did we mean to insinuate that our Bobba bubble tea is better than traditional bubble tea,” their statement read. Bobba’s founders also noted that they have collaborated closely with Taiwanese suppliers to stay true to the product’s heritage while enhancing convenience.
The incident has sparked larger conversations about food, culture, and representation. Calgary-based food writer and cultural equity consultant, Carmen Cheng, expressed her perspective on why these concerns resonate deeply. “Ethnic foods often carry a history of mockery or exoticism when introduced into Western culture. When someone outside the culture promotes it as ‘better,’ it highlights a power imbalance,” Cheng explained.
The brand now faces challenges not only to retain consumer trust but also to show a more authentic commitment to honoring bubble tea’s Taiwanese roots. Aleena Mazhar Kuzma, a branding expert, believes that brands entering ethnic food markets need to handle heritage products with respect, not only for quality but also for cultural sensitivity. “They should clarify their respect for Asian culture by involving community advisors who can bridge any cultural gaps,” said Kuzma.
Read more
