JOLLIBEE FOODS Corp. (JFC) said its Korean coffee brand Compose Coffee saw strong initial demand during its debut in Taiwan.
“We’re encouraged by the strong early response to Compose Coffee’s proposition in Taiwan. We consider the brand has unlimited potential to grow to be a number one global brand,” Jollibee Group International Chief Executive Officer Richard Shin said in an announcement on Thursday.
The corporate said customers began lining up as early as 8 a.m., with foot traffic increasing throughout the day. At peak hours, the shop sold about one cup every 20 seconds, while wait times reached as much as two hours.
First-day sales reached about NT$70,000.
JFC said it’s reviewing pre-opening turnout to refine operations ahead of the official launch.
The corporate said the brand’s store format and value-led menu are designed for replication across international markets, supporting its expansion plans within the coffee segment, including its previously announced entry into the Philippines this yr.
Earlier this yr, JFC’s subsidiary Fresh N’ Famous Foods, Inc. signed a master franchise agreement to launch Compose Coffee within the Philippines.
Compose Coffee, founded in South Korea in 2014, operates about 3,000 stores. The brand is predicted to be integrated into JFC’s Philippine portfolio to expand its beverage business.
The corporate said Compose Coffee has begun supplying pour-over coffee to all rooms of a 500-room hotel in Madrid under a brand new partnership, which is predicted to generate recurring revenue.
In a separate statement, JFC said the Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has approved its planned acquisition of All Day Fresh Co., Ltd., operator of the Shabu All Day hot pot chain in South Korea, through its 70%-owned subsidiary Jolli-K Co., Ltd.
“Securing Korea FTC approval is a vital milestone that advances our planned acquisition of Shabu All Day. This investment strengthens our Korea growth platform and reflects our deal with scalable, high-return concepts that support profitable growth for the Jollibee Group,” Jollibee Group Global President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong said.
Upon completion of the transaction, Shabu All Day is predicted so as to add about 2% to JFC’s revenue, 8% to global earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), and 1% to store count.
Elevation Equity Partners Korea Ltd. and JFC formed a partnership in August 2024 through the acquisition of Compose Coffee. Elevation holds a 30% effective stake in Jolli-K and stays JFC’s strategic partner.
Individually, JFC said its subsidiary Highlands Coffee posted strong performance, with 2025 revenue growing at a high double-digit rate from 2024.
On a like-for-like basis, this translated to high single-digit same-store sales growth in the primary quarter of 2026 from a yr earlier.
The corporate said it maintained strong store-level profitability, supported by cost discipline and an efficient operating model.
Its largely company-owned store network allows for closer operational adjustments and improved unit economics, supporting expansion into more capital-efficient formats.
Digital channels also contributed to growth, with most sales coming from third-party delivery platforms, while Highlands Coffee’s own application continues to expand its share.
“Highlands Coffee’s market leadership and continued strong performance are a powerful validation of our brand and business model. We’re seeing robust and improving store performance and continued traction across channels, supported by disciplined execution and compelling unit economics,” Highlands Coffee Founder and Chief Executive Officer David Thai said in a separate statement.
“As we scale, our priority is to maintain raising the bar on consistency and customer experience — while investing within the capabilities that may sustain long-term growth, including product innovation, operational excellence, and digital,” he added.
On the local bourse on Thursday, shares in JFC rose 2.81% to shut at P164.50 each. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno