La Kaffa and Lianfa International Post Record May Revenue, Bubble Tea Giants Expand into Food Business

(Central News Agency, reporter Jiang Mingyan, Taipei, June 9) Bubble tea operators are seeing a surge in business momentum. La Kaffa International and Lianfa International both reported record-high revenue for May and the first five months of the year, demonstrating strong demand in the tea beverage market and the effects of global store expansion. Both companies are also actively venturing into the food and beverage sector to build a more comprehensive culinary portfolio and add growth momentum.

La Kaffa International held its 2026 annual general meeting today, approving a profit distribution plan with a total cash dividend of NT$3.5 per share for the year.

La Kaffa reported earnings per share (EPS) of NT$1.09 for 2025. The company noted that starting from the second quarter of 2025, it optimized its overseas market structure and organizational adjustments. Benefiting from the acquisition of Hanlin Tea House and the gradual effects of its subsidiary Wangzuo International's acquisition of "Yangxin Catering," along with active store expansion by its Taiwan direct-operated stores, revenue and profit both improved. This drove Q4 2025 EPS to NT$0.81, a four-quarter high. La Kaffa's net profit after tax in the first quarter of this year grew 328.93% year-on-year, with EPS of NT$1.1, meaning single-quarter profit already surpassed the full year of 2025.

La Kaffa stated that as the weather gets warmer, the global bubble tea market enters its traditional peak season. Existing store performance continues to grow. Additionally, in May, the company launched its first "New Chata" concept store in Taipei's Yitong commercial district. Consolidated revenue for May was NT$435 million, a 24.29% year-on-year increase. Cumulative consolidated revenue for the first five months was NT$2.208 billion, a 37.03% year-on-year increase. Both May and the first five months' consolidated revenue set new records for the same period.

Looking ahead, La Kaffa said its domestic brands will continue to expand stores this year, aiming for 200 direct-operated stores. In overseas markets, besides stable development in Southeast Asia and Australia, it will continue to promote expansion in Europe and North America, using Taiwan as the core base for brand incubation and upgrading.

Furthermore, Wangzuo stated it will continue its multi-brand store expansion strategy, maintaining a pace of 8 to 10 new stores per year, while deepening its overseas market布局. Among them, the first "Duan Chun Zhen" store in Australia opened in May, and YACHE Korean-style vegetarian cuisine is planning to enter the Malaysian market.

Lianfa International held its shareholders' meeting today, approving a cash dividend of NT$3.3 per share for fiscal 2025. Lianfa International also announced May revenue of NT$105 million, a 6.9% year-on-year increase, and cumulative revenue for the first five months of NT$501 million, both setting historical records for the same period.

Lianfa International stated that its new trendy tea brand, UG, is expected to reach 80 stores globally in the first half of this year, including 70 in Taiwan, 6 in North America, 3 in Hong Kong, and 1 in Malaysia. The company aims to reach 100 stores in Taiwan this year. The Sharetea brand has over 500 stores worldwide and will continue to deepen its presence in markets such as North America, Asia, Australia, and India.

Lianfa International is focusing on the food business and recently established a food business company. Jan Yi-wen, who has extensive experience in international chain restaurant brands, has been appointed as the General Manager of the Food Business. The initial focus will be on Southeast Asian cuisine, with a development direction of "easy to replicate, fast to develop, and easy to take overseas." The food business aims to reach a scale of 100 stores within three years, targeting the regional chain market. Lianfa International also invited Zhao Shih-hao, who has extensive experience in international affairs and the food industry, to join the team as General Manager of the Overseas Business Division.

Lianfa International Chairman Zheng Kai-long stated that the next phase of growth strategy is no longer just about being a tea beverage company, but building an international platform for food and beverage brands centered on tea, food, overseas markets, and supply chain platforms. He expressed confidence in the company's growth over the next five years. (Editor: Yang Lanxuan) 1150609