The Philippines’ love affair with milk tea continues to flourish, as proven by the rapid expansion of global brands like Tealive, a Malaysian milk tea company that entered the Philippine market in 2022. In just two years, the brand has achieved a significant milestone, opening its 70th store at Fiesta Carnival in Araneta City, a prime location near the bustling Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tealive, established in Malaysia in 2017, has already made a mark with its 800 stores worldwide, primarily in its home country. The Philippine expansion is spearheaded by Brian Loo, with plans to grow the brand further. “Currently, most of our stores are in Metro Manila, but we’ve also expanded to provinces like Cebu, Sta. Rosa, Batangas, Pampanga, and Bulacan,” shared Mario Malalis, General Manager for International Franchise. By early 2025, Tealive aims to have 100 locations nationwide.
Tealive stands out in the competitive milk tea market by offering more than just tea-based drinks. Its menu features frappes, fruit juices, coffee, chocolate drinks, and matcha-based beverages, catering to diverse customer preferences. However, its signature tea-based offerings remain the cornerstone of its success.
“We take pride in our proprietary tea blend and tapioca balls, which are exclusively formulated and produced in-house in Malaysia,” Malalis explained. This focus on quality and innovation ensures a distinct flavor profile that sets Tealive apart from other milk tea brands.
To celebrate its 70th store, Tealive launched a festive Hokkaido Melon line of beverages, available in Chocolate, Bubble Milk Tea, or Frappe versions. These limited-time offerings reflect the brand’s commitment to seasonal creativity and appeal to Filipino milk tea enthusiasts.
Adding to the festive cheer, customers can pair their drinks with food at discounted prices. Options include BBQ Mushroom Overload Fries for just ₱50 or a Luncheon Meat and Egg Toastea for ₱80. This unique beverage-and-snack pairing enhances the Tealive experience, making it more than just a milk tea stop.
Unlike typical milk tea shops, Tealive offers a sit-down dining experience. The brand is well-known for its Toasteas, sandwiches with flavorful fillings that complement their drink menu. “We aim to provide a complete experience, not just beverages but also food that pairs perfectly with them. Many of our stores are designed for customers to sit down, relax, and enjoy their meal,” Malalis said.
With its innovative menu, quality ingredients, and ambitious growth plans, Tealive is not only shaping the milk tea culture in the Philippines but also carving a space as a versatile dining destination. As it pushes toward its 100-store goal, the brand continues to delight milk tea lovers nationwide.
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