Cronus Global and Kung Fu Tea Kick Off New Licensing Partnership

Cronus Global, an international brand licensing agency, has announced that it will be representing bubble tea giant, Kung Fu Tea, for food, beverage, and lifestyle licensing across all consumer products categories. The partnership is intended to tap into the growing $2.7 billion global bubble milk tea market by leveraging Kung Fu Tea’s signature flavors like Kung Fu Tea Milk Tea, Cocoa Cream Wow, and Taro Slush within the food & beverage sector while developing licensed lifestyle products catering to the chain’s dedicated fan base and bubble tea enthusiasts everywhere.

With over 370 locations in 38 states, Kung Fu Tea was awarded “Fastest Growing Franchises” by Entrepreneur Magazine and named Yelp’s top 3 most loved brands in 2023. The bubble tea chain has amassed 400K followers on Instagram, 285K followers on TikTok and generates 4.7M monthly impressions on both channels combined. A further indication of Kung Fu Tea’s success is the 2M downloads of the company’s app.

“We’ve had numerous requests for Kung Fu Tea-branded lifestyle merchandise from our fans via social media and through our app,” says Matthew Poveromo, Marketing Manager for Kung Fu Tea. “We also think the infusion of our signature bubble tea flavors into other foods and beverages will create unique and delicious-tasting product combinations like matcha green tea ice cream or brown sugar waffles. Our partnership with Cronus Global allows us to expand our licensed footprint and find new and creative outlets in which consumers can engage with and experience the Kung Fu Tea brand.”

According to Future Market Insights, the bubble tea market is anticipated to reach a high of $6.17 billion in 2033 with demand driven by Gen Z and Millennial purchases, support on social media channels like TikTok, and celebrity endorsements. The U.S. is projected to dominate the market with a growth rate of 12.4%. Bloomberg reports that the tapioca balls, commonly referred to as “Boba” in bubble tea, are now the US’s largest food import from Taiwan.

“Kung Fu Tea is the dominant brand in the rapidly growing U.S. bubble tea market due to its exceptional tasting bubble teas and outstanding customer service,” says Kristin Calzada, President of Cronus Global. “We see a chance to bring Kung Fu Tea’s signature drink flavors to other categories within the food and beverage aisle and also fill the gap in demand for lifestyle products like candles and scent-based items using the sweet, unique, and calming scents associated with Kung Fu Tea’s popular line-up of bubble teas.”