South Africa’s Trusted Bubble Tea Supplier – Quality, Innovation, and Expertise

Who We Are

BTSO (Beverage Trade Supply Outlet) is South Africa’s largest and most trusted bubble tea supplier, delivering high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to cafés, restaurants, and bubble tea lovers across the country. What started as a small passion project has evolved into the leading name in the South African bubble tea industry—offering expertise, reliability, and innovation at every step.

Our Story – From a Dream to South Africa’s Leading Supplier

BTSO was born from a simple idea. In 2012, after a four-month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, founder Stuart Jenkins discovered bubble tea for the first time and knew it had the potential to be big in South Africa.

With zero experience in making bubble tea, but a strong background in bar and restaurant management, Stuart launched bubble tea at markets in Johannesburg, selling at markets with the hope of growing into a franchise. The concept was well received, but there was one problem—people wanted bubble tea during the week and, more importantly, wanted to buy the ingredients to make it at home.

That’s when BTSO shifted gears. Stuart built a DIY website and launched Bubble Tea Shop Online, running the business from his lounge (warehouse) and spare bedroom (office). Despite the basic website, DIY labels, and limited resources, demand kept growing, attracting not just individual customers but also restaurants and cafés looking for bulk supplies.

From a One-Person Business to South Africa’s Leading Supplier

As demand grew, so did the challenges—cash flow, importing from Taiwan, and stock shortages. It became clear that relying entirely on imports wasn’t sustainable. So BTSO started sourcing locally, working through multiple suppliers until finding a reliable South African manufacturer for syrups.

In 2020, after outgrowing the home setup, BTSO moved into its first warehouse. Then, during COVID, global supply chain issues made importing bursting boba nearly impossible. Rather than struggle with delays, BTSO created a solution—becoming South Africa’s first and only local manufacturer of bursting boba by launching The Boba Factory in partnership with Shelley Herbst, a former airline pilot turned entrepreneur.

With a focus on local innovation, BTSO expanded its range with Rooibos Milk Tea, Milk Tart Powder, Naartjie Syrup, and premium Rooibos Concentrates—all crafted to give bubble tea a unique South African twist.

What We Do Today

BTSO has grown beyond just bubble tea, which is why we rebranded in 2023 from Bubble Tea Shop Online to Beverage Trade Supply Outlet. Under BTSO, we created BOBBA, our dedicated bubble tea brand, with plans for future product lines.

We Serve Two Main Markets:

• Businesses (B2B): We supply bubble tea cafés, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars with bulk ingredients, syrups, toppings, and equipment.
• Home Users (B2C): Want to make bubble tea at home? Shop online for syrups, toppings, and DIY kits like our BOBBA Box, which makes it easy to create café-quality bubble tea in your own kitchen.

Why Choose BTSO?

✔ South Africa’s Trusted Bubble Tea Expert – Over a decade of experience, helping businesses and individuals create the best bubble tea.
✔ Local Manufacturing & Sourcing – From 100% imported in 2014 to 70-80% local today (aiming for 95% by 2030).
✔ First & Only Local Manufacturer of Bursting Boba – Innovation that ensures fresher, better-quality products.
✔ Largest Supplier in the Country – Supporting hundreds of businesses nationwide and expanding into Africa.
✔ Unique South African Flavours – Rooibos Milk Tea, Milk Tart, Naartjie Syrups—bubble tea with a local twist.

Our Core Values

• Trusted Expertise – We are specialists in bubble tea and beverage supply.
• Local is Lekker – Proudly supporting South African manufacturing.
• Integrity & Reliability – We deliver on our promises.
• Win-Win Thinking – We grow alongside our customers.
• Innovation & Adaptability – Always evolving to meet market needs.

Let’s Make Bubble Tea Happen!

Whether you’re a bubble tea café, a restaurant looking to expand your drinks menu, or just a bubble tea lover at home, we’re here to help.

👉 Shop Online | Wholesale Enquiries