A RINGWOOD-BASED public relations and marketing agency has been appointed by a Taiwanese tea brand. 

McKenna Townsend, based in Pullman Business Park, has announced it will help “drive forward Gong Cha’s growth” in the UK and Ireland. 

Gong Cha has 14 shops in the UK and Ireland but has plans to expand by splitting its coverage into six regions to facilitate a long-term target of 500 shops. 

By 2032, Gong Cha is hoping to open 10,000 shops internationally. 

The PR firm will manage the brand’s social media, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships. 

Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong Cha expanded overseas into Hong Kong three years later and now has more than 2,100 locations across 24 countries, including a global HQ in London. 

Sarah Townsend, co-founder and managing director of McKenna Townsend, said: “We are delighted to be working with Gong Cha to support its franchise development in the UK and Ireland.  

“We have extensive experience in the franchise and food and beverage sectors, having worked with international brands such as Subway for more than 20 years, so we are perfectly placed to drive forward growth for this dynamic brand.  

“Gong Cha has ambitious and achievable expansion plans for the UK and Ireland, and we are excited to play our part in this.” 

Justin Goes, development director for Gong Cha, added: “It is an exciting time for Gong Cha, as we have a laser focus on our global expansion plans.  

“The global bubble tea market is soaring and expected to reach a staggering $4.3 billion by the end of 2027.  

“There is great potential for the brand here in the UK and Ireland and so we sought a partner that can help us achieve our ambitions.  

“We look forward to working with McKenna Townsend and seeing the bubble tea market continue to thrive through Gong Cha’s expansion.”    

McKenna Townsend works with a number of international, national and regional clients including Subway and Sunseeker International.