News archive

China's Bubble Tea Industry Slowdown Sparks a Hunt for New Categories

Mixue's profit fell 15 percent as rivals push into new dayparts and categories, signs of a maturing China bubble tea market with lessons for Gulf expansion.

Heytea Reopens China Franchising, Screens Out Quick-Profit Seekers

Heytea reopened franchise applications on September 7, 2026, ending an 18-month pause and adding screening built to filter out quick-profit applicants.

The third place: how cafes anchor young professionals in the Gulf

As hybrid work reshapes Gulf offices, cafes are becoming the 'third place' young professionals rely on for focus, community and informal networking.

Bubble Tea Near Dubai Metro Stations: A Commuter's Budget Guide

Dubai Metro carried 136.5 million riders in H1 2026. Here is where bubble tea shops already sit at the busiest stations, from BurJuman to Mall of the Emirates.

China's Bubble Tea Brands Slow at Home, Split Hard on Overseas Expansion

Mixue, Chagee, Guming and Nayuki's mid-2026 earnings show slowed store growth at home and sharply diverging fortunes in overseas expansion across Asia.