Tea Industry News & Updates

ABS-CBN. (2025, June 29). https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751165267657CHAGEE%20-%20Hello%20Philippines%201600x1600.jpg

CHAGEE Set to Open Its First Philippine Store

CHAGEE, a popular Chinese tea brand known for its modern tea house concept, is opening its first Philippine store in Manila. The brand aims to introduce Filipinos to its signature premium tea offerings, blending traditional Chinese brewing with contemporary café culture. This launch marks CHAGEE’s official entry into the competitive Philippine milk tea market.

Secai Marche. (2024, March). https://img.secai-marche.com/static/owned_media/uploads/2024/03/matcha-farm.jpg

Japan’s Matcha Production Under Strain from Heatwaves

Record-breaking heatwaves across Kyoto have severely impacted tencha harvests, the base material for premium matcha tea. With up to 25% losses reported by growers, supply shortages are pushing global matcha prices to new highs. Exporters are struggling to meet rising demand from North America and Europe.

Squarespace. (n.d.). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfb8e7559cd9129deae815/1591881590337-6LK83RWZERIALYSRSA56/WechatIMG126.jpeg

CoCo Bubble Tea Opens in Malaysia & Cambodia

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice expands its footprint in Southeast Asia by opening flagship outlets in Malaysia and Cambodia. The brand aims to capture growing demand among younger consumers, leveraging its halal certification to appeal to diverse markets. This marks a significant step in its regional growth strategy.

NBC News. (2025, April). https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-1240w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-04/250402-matcha-shortage-vl-main-19ffd2.jpg

Global Matcha Shortages Fuel Online Tensions

Global supply shortages are creating tension among matcha consumers worldwide. Viral trends such as "MatchaTok" are amplifying frustration, with consumers accusing some of bulk-hoarding limited supplies. Major retailers report consistent stockouts amid sharp price increases this quarter.

Shizuoka Tea. (2023, September). https://www.shizuokatea.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/How-to-Serve-Hojicha-Latte-at-a-Cafe.jpg

Hojicha Lattes Are Summer’s Emerging Tea Trend

Known for its roasted flavor and lower caffeine content, hojicha tea is increasingly favored by health-conscious consumers in Japan and globally. Cafes are responding by offering hojicha lattes as a refreshing summer alternative to matcha beverages. Industry analysts expect continued growth for this traditional tea in contemporary drink formats.

Food Chain Magazine. (2025, July). https://foodchainmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/MatchaShortageFC25.jpeg

Global Demand Outpaces Matcha Supply

As global interest in matcha-based drinks and products skyrockets, farmers across Japan struggle to meet soaring demand. Industry experts warn of long-term sustainability challenges if cultivation cannot scale efficiently. Premium matcha producers are now forced to prioritize export contracts over local supply channels.

Example Host. (2025, June). https://example.com/ai-cha-expansion.jpg

Indonesia’s Ai-CHA Expands to the Philippines

Ai-CHA, known for its innovative ice cream milk tea concept, is making its Philippine debut this year. The brand plans to open several outlets across Metro Manila to meet rising consumer demand for dessert-style beverages. This expansion highlights Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving milk tea landscape.

Jollibee Group. (2025, January). https://bucketeer-3eb16243-2c1c-43d2-be4e-1c2b3664d293.s3.amazonaws.com/2025/01/EGM_MILKSHA_0110.jpg

Jollibee Introduces Taiwan’s Milksha to Philippine Market

Jollibee Group debuts Taiwan’s Milksha brand in the Philippines, opening its first store at SM North EDSA. Known for using fresh milk and natural honey pearls, Milksha appeals to consumers seeking premium, artisanal milk tea options. The expansion aligns with Jollibee’s broader beverage diversification strategy in Southeast Asia.

Botrista. (2025, February). https://botrista.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/shutterstock_2133089233-1.jpg

Mocktails Take Center Stage in Beverage Innovation

With more consumers seeking alcohol-free alternatives, artisanal mocktails are now a staple in cafes, bars, and restaurants. Brands are introducing creative recipes using botanical infusions and fresh ingredients to cater to Gen Z’s health-conscious preferences. The global mocktail trend continues to reshape beverage menus as demand rises for sophisticated non-alcoholic offerings.

Forbes. (2025, June). https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/647f4741b6ce1ab30f57b386/Non-alcoholic-beverages/0x0.jpg

Non-Alcoholic Beverages Surge as Health Trend

The global rise of health-conscious consumers has fueled unprecedented growth in non-alcoholic beverage innovations. Industry reports predict strong momentum in 2025, especially for ready-to-drink mocktails and functional beverages. Major beverage brands are capitalizing on this shift by expanding alcohol-free offerings in both retail and hospitality channels.

Lonkero.co.uk. (n.d.). https://lonkero.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Lonkero_cans.png?v=1746019358&width=1445

Lonkero: UK’s Non-Alcoholic Summer Favorite

Originating from Finland, the gin-grapefruit blend Lonkero is emerging as a seasonal favorite in the UK’s non-alcoholic drink market. British consumers are embracing this refreshing, low-sugar option as a summer staple. Industry insiders predict continued growth for European-inspired non-alcoholic innovations like Lonkero in the coming seasons.

Philippine Retailers Association. (n.d.). https://philretailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Gong-Cha.png

Gong Cha Expands in the Philippines

Gong Cha has opened 10 new branches in the Philippines as part of its aggressive Southeast Asian expansion strategy. The brand’s premium teas and modern store concepts aim to appeal to Filipino millennials and Gen Z consumers. Franchise opportunities are reportedly filling fast across key cities like Manila and Cebu.

Fortune. (2025, June). https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GettyImages-2202580936-e1748882630381.jpg

Premium Teas Lead 2025 Global Beverage Trends

According to Fortune’s latest industry report, premium tea consumption is booming globally, with consumers favoring organic and sustainably sourced brews. This shift reflects wider health and wellness trends impacting beverage choices worldwide. Major tea exporters are expanding their premium product lines to capture this growing segment.

Restaurant India. (2024, November). https://restaurantindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2024-11/Mixology.jpg

Gen Z Embraces Mocktails as Lifestyle Trend

Gen Z consumers are driving the surge in alcohol-free drinks, favoring premium mocktails with botanical flavors and fresh ingredients. Bars and restaurants are adapting by offering expansive non-alcoholic drink menus to cater to this younger demographic. Industry analysts expect this shift to redefine beverage menus in the coming years.

Shopify. (2025, July). https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0274/0712/2534/files/KCS00203_e53babe4-e79e-4654-bde4-4dd94b915a94.jpg?v=1752761303

2025 Trends: Functional Beverages & Premium Teas

Driven by health-conscious consumers, 2025’s beverage trends spotlight functional drinks and premium teas. From antioxidant-rich herbal infusions to ready-to-drink specialty teas, product innovation is at the forefront. Small producers and global brands alike are competing for consumer attention in this rapidly expanding market.

Shopify. (2023, March). https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1592/2927/t/26/assets/13-1679537532788.jpg?v=1679537534

Japanese Producers Struggle to Meet Global Matcha Demand

Small towns across Japan, known for traditional matcha cultivation, are struggling to keep pace with surging international demand. Export contracts now dominate supply chains, leaving local retailers short. Government support initiatives aim to protect rural tea-growing communities while meeting global market needs.