Chatime To Expand To Sabah, Sarawak & Brunei In Q3

By Prem Kumar Panjamothy KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- Taiwanese bubble tea brand Chatime is set to be introduced in Sabah and Sarawak as well as Brunei in the third quarter of this year. The franchise holder for Malaysia and Brunei, Loob Holdings Sdn Bhd, is planning to venture into the region with a target of 10 Chatime outlets by year-end. The company aims to open at least 100 bubble tea outlets nationwide before year-end, from the present 58. However, managing director Bryan Loo said the total number of outlets could easily double after the company receives halal accreditation by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim). "We are in the midst of applying for the certification," he told Bernama in an interview. Loo said if the regulatory body approve the application, Chatime will have more exposure and confidence among local Muslim consumers. He added Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei would be the ideal locations to venture into, as the spending power and awareness of modern tea is there. "We are only moving to these places after receiving overwhelming reception from consumers in Peninsular Malaysia," he said, adding he is amazed by the immense support from Malaysians for Chatime, which dishes out 20 different flavours of bubble tea in seven types of beverages. He also said fewer flavours and types of drink are offered here compared to the original menu in Taiwan. "The company is trying its best to bring the best recipe to Malaysia, and we are planning to exchange one less-preferred flavour for a new one," he said. On Brunei, Loo said the company is still looking for a potential partner to run the business there. Asked on business expansion, he said the company intends to open seven to eight outlets every month, either as a store concept or kiosk. "At the end of this month, we will be opening nine. We are also looking to increase our presence in all states regardless of size or population. "The cost to open one Chatime outlet is around RM400,000 (US$127,647.54) to RM500,000 (US$159,399.86)," he said. -- BERNAMA