Written By: Bandana Gupta

India’s love for tea is undeniable, and when tea meets business, possibilities are endless. But success demands innovation—enter Bubble Tea Franchise, a playful twist on tradition.

This refreshing beverage combines iced tea or coffee, fruity flavours, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls (boba). Think it’s named for the pearls? Time to pop that myth! The real secret is in the shake—vigorously mixing the drink creates frothy bubbles, giving bubble tea its name.

Bubble tea is more than just a beverage; it’s an exciting sensory experience, offering a burst of innovation and flavour in every sip!

Most Lucrative Bubble Tea Franchise Opportunities in India

The following leading Bubble tea brands excel in quality, innovation, and sustainability, offering franchisees robust support and proven growth strategies. For entrepreneurs, they provide a competitive edge in a dynamic market driven by trends in health, technology, and eco-consciousness.

1. Kungufu tea :

Kung Fu Tea has built a dedicated fanbase that is truly passionate about its bubble tea creations. With over 30 unique flavours on offer, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Their stores are conveniently open from early morning to late night, ensuring you can enjoy a cup no matter the time of day. What sets Kung Fu Tea apart for potential franchisees is its comprehensive support package. Unlike many other bubble tea brands, Kung Fu Tea provides a detailed business plan, extensive training resources, and continuous guidance.

2. Sharetea :

Founded in Taiwan, Sharetea prides itself on offering authentic bubble tea made with premium tea leaves sourced directly from Taiwan. Its menu features a mix of popular and innovative flavours like Taro, Matcha, Mango, and Red Bean, catering to a wide range of preferences. Sharetea’s dedication to quality and creativity has garnered a loyal following among students, families, and professionals alike.

To open a Sharetea franchise, the total investment varies based on store size, location, and necessary equipment. The minimum liquid capital required is 100,000 dollars, with a total investment starting at 300,000 dollars.

3. Mad & Co :

MAD & CO, a premium bubble tea brand, is owned by Studio Zero Private Limited. As India’s beverage sector experiences rapid growth, authentic bubble teas from around the world have been introduced and consolidated. Rooted in Asian tea culture and tailored for Gen X to Z, a revolution in the Indian market is being led. A shift toward fresh and healthy beverage choices is being encouraged, with bubble tea as the first step.

4. Dr Bubbles :

Dr. Bubbles is a popular bubble tea brand in India, offering a diverse menu of over 60 flavours, including fruit and milk-based teas, bubble coffees, milkshakes, lassis, and waffles. Their beverages come with customizable toppings such as natural tapioca pearls, popping bubbles, and juice jellies. Known for its innovative approach, Dr. Bubbles caters to both iced and hot tea lovers. With multiple locations across India, the brand continues to grow, bringing the global bubble tea experience to Indian consumers.

Why Invest in Bubble Tea Franchise? Is it a profitable business opportunity?

Born in the vibrant streets of Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea captured the hearts of millions, rapidly becoming a global phenomenon by the early 2000s. Yet, its journey into India’s dynamic market has been noticeably slow—leaving many to wonder why. Could this be a risky venture or simply an untapped opportunity?

The truth is, that bubble tea did make an earlier attempt to win over Indian consumers but stumbled in its initial steps. The original version, brewed exclusively with black tea and chewy tapioca pearls, didn’t quite fit the Indian palate. 

Research revealed that black tea wasn’t widely preferred, leading to a lukewarm reception. However, when innovation and customization entered the scene, things took a delightful turn. By adapting flavours and experimenting with different bases and toppings, bubble tea evolved into a treat that finally resonated with Indian taste buds.

From modest origins, bubble tea has grown into a worldwide sensation with an impact that’s impossible to ignore. It crept into mainstream popularity through diverse cultural corridors, including bustling China Towns around the world. Now, India is the last major frontier, brimming with untapped potential.

But why does bubble tea make such an appealing business idea?

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Simple preparation
• Minimal staffing needs
• Flexible business models
• Easy-to-learn techniques
• Pop-up franchise potential

With the trend only beginning to gain traction, many international brands like Presotea are keen to establish franchises in India. Meanwhile, homegrown ventures such as Dr Bubbles and Bubble Bar are already thriving, leveraging early success to expand their reach.

In short, with customization leading the way and consumer curiosity piqued, bubble tea is ready to shake up the Indian market—one bubble-filled cup at a time.

The Explosive Growth of the Global Bubble Tea Market and its immense business potential

The global bubble tea market is expected to surpass 4.5 billion dollars by 2030, fueled by its growing popularity across diverse audiences.

• Cultural Blend: Bubble tea effortlessly combines traditional and contemporary flavours, attracting diverse audiences across cultures.
• Affordable Startup: With lower capital requirements compared to full-scale restaurants, bubble tea franchises are an ideal entry point for new entrepreneurs.
• Profitable Margins: Thanks to low ingredient costs and opportunities to upsell toppings, bubble tea businesses can enjoy impressive profit margins.
• Personalized Choices: The flexibility to adjust flavours, sweetness, and toppings draws a wide range of customers, ensuring something for everyone.
• Customer Loyalty: The constant stream of new flavours and seasonal offerings keeps customers coming back for more, boosting repeat business.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Costs of Starting Your Own Bubble Tea Franchise: What You Need to Know

Opening a bubble tea franchise involves several costs, which can vary based on factors like brand, location, and store size. The Bubble Tea franchise requires a shop or unit area of 500 sq. ft., with a tenure of five years. The initial investment varies based on the format—₹16 lakhs for a kiosk setup and ₹25 lakhs for a dine-in format. Franchise owners can expect a payback period of 12 to 18 months, with an estimated profit margin of 25%. Additionally, a royalty fee ranging from 5% to 10% applies.

Success through FOFO business model:

For ambitious business owners, this franchise follows the FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) model, offering the perfect opportunity to build and expand a business independently while benefiting from comprehensive support. This model allows franchisees full control over their operations while leveraging expert guidance in key areas such as operations, HR, finance, and marketing.

Backed by over 50 years of combined corporate experience, the franchise ensures unparalleled support, helping owners streamline processes, optimize resources, and maximize profitability. With the right investment of time, capital, and dedication, franchisees can successfully establish and grow their own location with confidence.

Average Daily Sales Volume for a Bubble Tea Shop?

The daily sales of bubble tea can vary widely based on several key factors, including the shop’s location, foot traffic, local demand, and marketing efforts. Here's an overview of what influences the daily sales of a bubble tea shop:

• Individual Store Sales: In bustling urban areas, a popular bubble tea shop could sell between 100 to 500 cups daily. In quieter or smaller towns, the range might be closer to 50 to 100 cups.
• Franchise Performance: Well-established franchises with multiple locations often see higher sales, with some reporting 300 to 1,000 cups sold per day per outlet, especially in prime locations.
• Seasonal and Promotional Variations: Sales can surge during peak seasons, such as summer, or during special promotions, holidays, and events, potentially doubling daily figures.
• Global Perspective: On a global scale, bubble tea sales easily reach millions of cups a day, reflecting its widespread popularity across the world.
• Cultural Influence: Regional preferences play a significant role in daily sales, with places like Taiwan, the birthplace of bubble tea, seeing much higher daily sales due to local love for the beverage.
• Online and Delivery Impact: With the rise of online ordering and delivery services, bubble tea shops are seeing an increase in sales, especially in areas where customers prefer convenience over visiting the store in person.

Overall, the number of bubble tea cups sold in a day is influenced by multiple factors, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact figure. For those looking to open a bubble tea business or gain specific insights, researching local market conditions and consulting industry professionals is key to understanding potential sales.

Concluding thought: Embark on Your Journey with a Bubble Tea Franchise Today!

If you want to join a well-established bubble tea franchise or launch your brand, the journey is full of exciting opportunities and challenges.

Success in this industry goes beyond crafting great drinks—it’s about building a brand that connects with customers and stands out in a competitive market. Whether you’re starting with one location or expanding nationwide, FranchiseBazar will help you create a brand that mixes authenticity, innovation, and success.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.