Start a Bubble Tea Business in South Africa | 2025 Guide

Bubble tea is booming in South Africa, offering a profitable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the market. Whether you’re opening a stand-alone bubble tea shop or adding it to an existing café, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to launch a successful bubble tea business in 2025.

Why Start a Bubble Tea Business?

Bubble tea is more than just a trend—it’s a fast-growing market with increasing demand from both young consumers and health-conscious individuals. Here’s why it’s a great business opportunity:

✅ High Demand: More South Africans are embracing bubble tea, making it a lucrative market.
✅ Diverse Menu Potential: From classic milk teas to fruit teas, there are endless options.
✅ Profit Margins: Bubble tea ingredients have low costs, while the drinks can be sold at high markups.
✅ Adaptable Business Model: Operate as a standalone café, mobile cart, or integrate it into an existing food business.

Step 1: Research the Bubble Tea Business & Create a Plan

Before jumping in, research the local market to understand your competition, target audience, and pricing strategies. Key questions to consider:

• Who is your target market? (Students, professionals, families, tourists)
• What are your competitors offering? (Pricing, flavours, service speed)
• Which locations have high foot traffic? (Malls, campuses, business districts)

Create a Business Plan

A solid business plan helps secure funding and keeps your operations on track. Key components:

1. Business Model – Will you operate a café, food truck, or online bubble tea delivery service?
2. Startup Costs & Budget – Rent, equipment, licences, initial stock.
3. Pricing & Profit Margins – Cost per cup vs. selling price.
4. Marketing Strategy – How will you attract customers?

Step 2: Secure Funding & Register Your Business

Starting a bubble tea business requires an initial investment for equipment, ingredients, and branding. Funding options include:

• Personal savings
• Small business loans
• Investor partnerships

Register Your Business

To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business with CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) and get:

• A business bank account
• A tax number from SARS
• Any food service permits from local authorities

Step 3: Essential Ingredients & Equipment for Your Bubble Tea Business

To stand out, use premium ingredients that enhance the taste and texture of your drinks.

Essential Ingredients:

✔️ Tea Bases – Black tea, green tea, rooibos tea
✔️ Tapioca Pearls & Toppings – Classic tapioca, bursting boba, aloe vera
✔️ Flavoured Syrups & Powders – Milk tea powders, fruit syrups, brown sugar
✔️ Milk & Creamers – Dairy & non-dairy options

Milky bubble teas are often made using powders, while fruit teas (iced teas) are usually made with syrups. If you want to make bubble tea more traditionally, you’ll need to brew tea and prepare tapioca pearls. However, there are shortcuts: you can skip tapioca (though some purists might argue it’s less authentic) and use bursting boba instead. Additionally, you can replace brewed teas with rooibos concentrates mixed with flavoured syrups (our premium fruit syrups) for a faster, equally tasty option.

Essential Equipment:

✔️ Filter Scoops – For precise tapioca and topping measurement
✔️ Shakers – To mix drinks thoroughly
✔️ Bubble Tea Straws – Wide straws to accommodate toppings
✔️ Cups & Dome Lids – For serving drinks

Nice-to-Have Equipment:

✔️ Sealing Machines – Replaces dome lids for a professional look
✔️ Tea Urns – To store brewed tea efficiently

For wholesale ingredients & equipment, consider partnering with BTSO, South Africa’s largest supplier of bubble tea. We offer the widest variety of ingredients and accessories, along with basic recipes and advice to help you develop your menu. While we don’t sell franchises or turn-key business models, we provide the essential tools and guidance you need to build your unique bubble tea brand. Plus, we offer nationwide delivery, making it easy to get high-quality ingredients wherever you are.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Location for Your Bubble Tea Business

Your location can make or break your business. Consider these factors:

• High Foot Traffic Areas – Malls, university campuses, office districts
• Easy Accessibility – Ensure parking and public transport access
• Visibility & Signage – Your shop should be easy to spot

Alternative Business Models:

🚚 Food Truck / Mobile Bubble Tea Cart – Lower startup costs, flexible locations
💻 Online Store with Delivery – Sell DIY bubble tea kits or bottled bubble tea
🏬In-Store Add-On – If you own a café or restaurant, integrate bubble tea into your menu

Step 5: Bubble Tea Menu Development & Pricing Strategy

A well-structured menu keeps customers interested and maximises profits.

Best-Selling Bubble Tea Flavours:

🧋 Classic Milk Tea – Black tea, milk, tapioca pearls
🧋 Taro Milk Tea – Creamy taro-flavoured drink
🧋 Brown Sugar Milk Tea – Sweet, caramel-like flavour
🧋 Fruit Tea Series – Peach, mango, passionfruit with bursting boba

Pricing Guide (Example):

• Basic Bubble Tea: R40 – R55
• Premium Bubble Tea: R55 – R70
• Add-ons (Toppings, extra boba, syrups): +R5 – R10

*The cost price of a bubble tea ranges from R15.50 to R25, depending on the ingredients.

Final Thoughts: Your Road to Bubble Tea Success!

Starting a bubble tea business in South Africa in 2025 is a promising opportunity. By securing quality ingredients, a great location, and a solid marketing plan, you can build a profitable and exciting brand.

Need wholesale bubble tea ingredients and equipment? Contact BTSO today for premium supplies at the best prices!