Filipino fast-food restaurant company Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) has entered a licensing agreement to open Milksha stores in the US, focusing on California, New York and Texas.

The agreement was secured through JFC's subsidiary, Milkshop Japan, and involves Delaware-based MKSA.

The move is part of JFC's strategy to expand its beverage portfolio, which includes a range of coffee and tea brands.

The $12.8m investment by JFC for a majority stake in the Taiwanese bubble tea café Milksha in November 2021 has paved the way for the expansion.

Milkshop Japan will also provide franchising opportunities beyond these states.

MKSA, the entity responsible for managing the Milksha franchise in the US, will play a pivotal role in the brand's North American operations.

Milksha, known for its bubble tea, has established a significant global presence with 327 stores, 305 of which are in its home market of Taiwan, where it operates under the name Milkshop.

The brand's reach extends to Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, the Philippines and the UK.

In July 2024, Jollibee Foods announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the South Korean coffee shop chain, Compose Coffee.

The deal valued the South Korean business at $340m.

Jollibee Foods’ subsidiary, Jollibee Worldwide, purchased a 70% stake in Compose Coffee for $238m.

The Titan Fund, in which Jollibee Worldwide holds a majority share, acquired another 5%, while private equity house Elevation Equity Partners Korea bought the remaining 25% stake.

The acquisition of Compose, which operates 2,600 branches in South Korea, increases Jollibee Foods’ global network to 10,000 stores.