A wave of anticipation swept through Taiwan as Compose Coffee, the South Korean coffee brand, opened its first store, drawing crowds before sunrise. Customers began assembling as early as 8 a.m., eager to experience the newest addition to the island’s coffee scene.
The initial response was nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the day, foot traffic swelled, reaching a peak where a single cup of coffee was sold every twenty seconds. Dedicated customers patiently waited, with lines stretching and wait times climbing to an astonishing two hours.
The first day’s sales figures painted a clear picture of success, reaching approximately NT$70,000. Company representatives are now meticulously analyzing the pre-opening turnout, aiming to refine operations and ensure a seamless experience for future customers.
Compose Coffee’s design is intentionally adaptable, featuring a store format and menu built for rapid international expansion. Plans are already underway to bring the brand to the Philippines, building on a recently signed master franchise agreement.
Founded in South Korea in 2014, Compose Coffee already boasts a network of around 3,000 stores. Its integration into a larger portfolio promises to significantly expand beverage offerings and reach new markets.
Beyond retail locations, Compose Coffee is forging strategic partnerships. A new collaboration will see the brand supplying pour-over coffee to all 500 rooms of a prominent hotel in Madrid, creating a consistent revenue stream.
Meanwhile, Jollibee’s expansion in Korea continues with approval secured for the acquisition of All Day Fresh Co., Ltd., the operator of the popular Shabu All Day hot pot chain. This move is expected to bolster Jollibee’s presence and profitability in the Korean market.
The acquisition of Shabu All Day is projected to contribute approximately 2% to Jollibee’s overall revenue, an impressive 8% to global earnings, and add 1% to the company’s total store count. It represents a strategic investment in a scalable and profitable concept.
This expansion is fueled by a strong partnership with Elevation Equity Partners Korea Ltd., which holds a significant stake in the venture. This collaboration provides both financial strength and strategic guidance.
Elsewhere within the Jollibee portfolio, Highlands Coffee is demonstrating impressive growth. Revenue for 2025 is projected to increase at a high double-digit rate compared to the previous year, showcasing the brand’s enduring appeal.
This growth translates to robust same-store sales, with a high single-digit increase recorded in the first quarter of 2026. Strong store-level profitability, driven by cost control and efficient operations, is a key factor in this success.
Highlands Coffee’s largely company-owned network allows for swift operational adjustments and improved financial performance. The company is also exploring more capital-efficient store formats to accelerate expansion.
Digital channels are playing an increasingly important role, with a significant portion of sales originating from third-party delivery platforms. Highlands Coffee’s own application is also gaining traction, expanding its reach and customer base.
The leadership at Highlands Coffee emphasizes a commitment to consistency and customer experience. Ongoing investment in product innovation, operational excellence, and digital capabilities will be crucial for sustaining long-term growth.
