India – Tealive, the milk tea brand under Loob Holding, is entering India following a master franchise deal with Indian quick service restaurant (QSR) operator Devyani International Limited (DIL).
With over 950 outlets in Southeast Asia, Mauritius, Canada, and most recently the Middle East, Tealive now looks to bring its unique blend of tea and innovative beverage culture to India.
For both entities, India offers a vast market opportunity for lifestyle tea, particularly among its youthful demographic. This positions Tealive strategically, leveraging its strong brand identity and Southeast Asian influence. Although the Indian tea market is dominated by local brands and independent outlets, Tealive’s diverse menu and innovative selections are well-suited to meet the changing tastes of consumers.
Bryan Loo, founder and CEO at Loob Holding expressed confidence that DIL’s expansive network and F&B expertise would provide a solid foundation for Tealive to grow in India.
“Together with our partner, Tealive will bring our innovative lifestyle tea culture to the land of chai. Our partner knows the local market well and we’re planning significant presence in India, beginning with outlets in the major cities this year,” he said.
He also emphasised that Tealive would continue its current regional strategy of starting small and scaling up fast with the right market conditions. “With our partners’ local knowledge, industry experience, and extensive reach, we are well-positioned to rapidly expand and promote our unique lifestyle tea culture across India,” he said.
Bryan also added, “Partnering with a strong local operator like DIL gives us the ability to adapt and thrive in India while also extending the Tealive lifestyle to millions of new consumers.”
Meanwhile, Ravi Jaipuria, non-executive chairman at Devyani International Limited, commented, “We are delighted to introduce Tealive, a strong Asian brand, into India, known to have a rich tradition of chai culture. Tealive’s diverse lifestyle tea offerings perfectly align with India’s young and evolving consumer, who are increasingly drawn towards newer categories. Together, we are set to redefine and transform tea experience in the vibrant Indian market.”
DIL is the largest franchise partner for Yum! Brands in India, managing KFC and Pizza Hut locations, and serves as the exclusive franchisee for Costa Coffee in the country. Alongside these global brands, DIL has developed its own homegrown concepts, including Vaango, a well-known South Indian vegetarian restaurant, and The Food Street, a multi-cuisine food court.
