Whether in the hands of (G)I-DLE members or on the stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race, bubble milk tea is making its mark across the globe. Analysts say that beyond satisfying the senses, the bubble tea industry can expand business opportunities for Taiwan worth over NT$100 billion.
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South Korean girl group (G)I-DLE landed in Taiwan to perform early October.
The bubble milk tea in the hands of members while they tested out popular video filters became an unexpected topic of discussion among fans and netizens.
Nymphia: “I’m very proud to say I’m Taiwanese.”
Taiwanese-American drag performer and dressmaker Nymphia won over the hearts of judges and audiences earlier this year during the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race paying homage to her roots with her bubble milk tea design.
Global catering business development consultant Liu Jen-hao (劉人豪) states that the bubble milk tea business had grown to be worth approximately US$2.4 billion worldwide in 2023.
According to the Economic Ministry, over 1 billion cups are sold annually in Taiwan, averaging to 44 cups per person each year.
Liu states that the entire industrial chain including equipment, raw materials, and consumables can amass a revenue of nearly US$6 billion annually, benefiting Taiwanese manufacturers further if it’s promoted to the global market.
Gabby Scott: “This boba pin from Taipei? I need to find it.”
Puerto Rican track and field Olympian Gabby Scott’s quest to find the coveted bubble tea pin is just one of the many examples of how the bubble won’t be bursting for this Taiwanese drink anytime soon.