TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The chairman of La Kaffa International (六角國際) on Tuesday (Jan. 7) revealed plans to merge the strengths of different brands, potentially exporting a fusion of Taiwanese delicacies like "bubble tea and beef noodles" abroad. The company announced a day earlier that it had acquired Hanlin Tea Room (翰林茶館) for NT$272 million, aiming to expand its culinary platform.
Founded in 1986, Hanlin Tea Room claims to have created Taiwan's first bubble tea. The brand operates 40 directly managed stores across Taiwan, primarily in department stores. Last year, its revenue reached approximately NT$400 million. Wang Li-yu (王麗玉), La Kaffa's executive vice president, expressed optimism about Taiwan's market, expecting over 10% annual revenue growth and projecting NT$450 million in revenue this year with a profit margin of 7% to 8%.
Wang Li-yu noted Hanlin Tea Room's presence in the U.S. with three franchised stores, signaling plans for further international expansion.
La Kaffa's Chairman Wang Yao-hui (王耀輝) highlighted the pandemic's impact on the restaurant industry, stating that the integration of the dining market has become apparent, with independent SMEs facing increased operational costs, food safety issues, and labor shortages.
Wang Yao-hui predicted a slight decline in the restaurant industry in 2025 due to labor shortages failing to meet market demand, noting a downturn last year compared to high base levels.
