Gong Cha is boosting its 28-store footprint in New Zealand with three new outlets. The bubble tea brand opens the first of the stores at Glenfield Mall, Auckland, this week. The opening as part of a synchronised Global Tea Party event which unveils the brand’s 2,000th store worldwide.

The Auckland outlet will kickstart opening 10 stores within 24 hours across Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Canada, Mexico and the US.

Marcus Teh, who heads up Gong Cha New Zealand, said three stores will open in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland Airport.

“The rate of demand for bubble tea is increasing rapidly and we are aiming to open 10,000 stores within seven years.

“New Zealand is a key part of this growth story and we are excited to be expanding our retail offering here – with the Global Tea Party event marking a significant milestone for the company,” he said.

The expansion will add more than 300 retail staff to its outlets nationwide. Teh said the annual sale of 3 million beverages has boosted Gong Cha’s New Zealand revenue by 20 per cent; the global store average is 6.2 per cent.

“It is heartening to see how quickly Kiwis have embraced our bubble tea offering which is reflected in our diverse customer base,” he said. The business launched in New Zealand eight years ago. It has a footprint of more than 120 outlets in Australia.

This story was originally published on Franchise Executives.