Stats - Who's drinking bubble tea? Why are they drinking it? What kind are they drinking? And, How?
Hey folks, we are so thrilled that Bubble Tea continues to grow in popularity that we decided to do a bit of impromptu digging and find some cool statistics and other insightful information on why this 'hot' beverage is so enticing.
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, has gained significant popularity in recent years, captivating people's taste buds globally. Often coupled with juice pobbles or tapioca pearls, bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. From there, it has continued to spread across the globe through Southeast Asia, to western countries including the UK, Canada and the US, to name a few. Over the years, the estimated growth rate is expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2027, with the black tea segment accounting for over half of the share in 2019 and projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.5%.
Who is drinking bubble tea?
Bubble tea consumption transcends many demographics, but one group stands out as avid enthusiasts—the 20-29-year-olds. According to a CLSA survey, cited by The Food Institute, an incredible 94% of individuals within this age bracket purchased boba tea in the last three months.
Globally, the lion's share belongs to the Asia Pacific market. Bubble tea was valued at 0.90 billion USD in 2021 and is projected to reach 3.78 billion USD by 2029. This is great news for the region and Western countries as consumers continue to drive upward demand.
Why are they drinking it?
As well as being super delicious, the fact that bubble tea is so versatile makes it even more appealing. Consumers are drawn to bubble tea for several reasons. It's refreshing, comes in various flavours, and has many additional options, like cream foam, to take your bubble tea to the next level.
More than just a drink, though, bubble tea has become synonymous with socialising, with many individuals enjoying it as a social activity or a treat to indulge in with friends. As we move into post Covid-19 culture, our natural tendency to group and share experiences makes it a popular choice among influencers and social media enthusiasts. Bubble tea isn't limited to taste alone; it also looks good. This means it translates well for anyone who seeks visually appealing content to share with their followers and is super marketable.
What kind are they drinking?
Regarding the types of bubble tea consumers prefer, black tea emerges as the clear favourite. However, the demand for Bubble Tea Milk has been skyrocketing, mainly driven by Generation Z. South Asia alone spent a whopping USD 3.7 billion on launching milk tea and similar drinks in August 2021. There's a shift towards creamier and milk-based bubble tea options, highlighting the evolving taste preferences of bubble tea enthusiasts.
How is bubble tea consumed?
Bubble tea is not just a drink but an experience. Consumers savour the beverage using chunky straws to sip the tea and chew on the delightful tapioca pearls or juice pobbles at the bottom of the cup. This unique combination of sipping and chewing creates a multisensory experience that sets bubble tea apart from other beverages. Plus, bubble tea is often tailored to individual preferences, allowing customers to choose the sweetness level, ice content, additional toppings, and syrups. This customisation option further gives consumers the space and freedom to flex their creative muscles – ultimately enhancing their bubble tea enjoyment and satisfaction.
Final thoughts
The popularity of bubble tea continues to surge, with young adults being the primary consumers driving this trend. The refreshing taste, the wide array of flavours, and its social appeal contribute to its growing allure. As preferences evolve, black tea remains a favourite choice, but the demand for Bubble Tea Milk is rising, especially among Generation Z. With its unique consumption style and customisation options, bubble tea offers a delightful and interactive experience for its enthusiastic fans.
For the range of Bubble tea products and detailed information, head over to the BTH site, where the world of Bubble tea awaits.