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Bubble tea brand Milksha launches in Melbourne

Sarah Stowe

One of the largest bubble tea chains in Taiwan is opening its first Australian franchise and flagship store. Milksha launches on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne on Saturday 21 September.

Milksha (known as Milkshop in Taiwan) has more than 240 outlets in its domestic market and across Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau and now, Australia.

Peter Huang, GM of Milkshop International, said “We chose Melbourne to launch our flagship store because it is no doubt the foodie capital of Australia. The city is a melting pot of different cultures open to trying new products, which can be seen in its established and growing market of bubble tea lovers.”

Bubble tea brand Milksha launches in Melbourne | Inside Franchise Business
Bubble tea brand Milksha launches in Melbourne | Inside Franchise Business

Huang was business development manager at 7-Eleven in Taiwan for 10 years. In 2009 he decided to franchise the first Milksha store after he saw a market opportunity for fresh milk-based drinks. Following the success of the first store, founder and chairman Kevin Lin invited him to join the company as general manager. Huang has built the brand image of Milksha, and systematically developed and expanded the franchising stores all over Taiwan and in the overseas market.

How Milksha is different

“We source high quality loose leaf teas from various regions around the world including Taiwan and Sri Lanka. Our tea leaves are brewed and tested regularly for quality control. There is a lot which goes on behind the scenes, including using water that goes through a multi-filtration process. But we believe in providing the best quality ingredients for our discerning customers,” Huang said.

Fresh milk is a crucial, distinguishing ingredient for Milksha and in Australia the company is partnering with local award-winning St David’s Dairy for all its fresh milk.

“Our team tested over 30 different milk brands in Victoria, and the team at St David’s proved exceptional. The quality of their milk extended beyond the product, and through their sustainability practices by offering small scale processing, localised supply chains and transparency in their commitment to ethical and environmental welfare,” Huang said.

In line with Milksha’s environmental focus, the franchise uses 100 per cent biodegradable bamboo straws which are grown and made in Taiwan and are completely free from plastic, bioplastic, and PLA.

Bubble tea franchise Milksha uses bamboo straws | Inside Franchise Business

“By using paper bags, paper cup holders and bamboo straws instead of plastic, we hope to reduce our impact on the environment. Milksha is a proactive brand and we will continue to seek other sustainable alternatives to integrate within our business,” says Peter.

On the bubble tea menu

Milksha’s Australian menu features five bubble tea categories; Fresh Milk (pure milk blends), Tea Latte (loose leaf tea and milk), Specialty (seasonal juices and teas), Tea (Jasmine Green, Earl Grey, Light-roasted Oolong, Oolong and Barley teas) and Yoghurt Drink (Strawberry, Avocado and Mango).

Milksha makes its own signature honey pearls toppings which are quick frozen and shipped to Melbourne. Other toppings include milk pudding, red bean and herbal fairy-grass jelly.

Specialty ingredients for this brand include Taiwanese taro milk, premium cocoa from France and matcha from Japan.

Milksha's signature pearls are made and frozen in Taiwan | Inside Franchise Business
Milksha’s signature pearls are made and frozen in Taiwan | Inside Franchise Business