Meito Bubble Tea Expands into India: Bringing Innovation to India's Tea Culture
📝Interviews
In this exclusive interview with Ben Goetze, the Late Founder & Director of Meito Bubble Tea, discover his journey leading the brand's expansion into markets like Lebanon, Oman, and now India. Explore his vision for global growth, the unique franchise model driving success, and his commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Learn about the brand's franchise opportunities, ongoing support for franchisees, and how Meito maintains consistency in product quality and brand experience across its global network. Goetze also shares the competitive advantages that set Meito apart from other local and international competitors in the Indian market.
StartupTalky: Could you share with our readers a bit about your journey as the late-founder and director of Meito Bubble Tea?
Ben Goetze: I embarked on my journey with Meito in 2013 as the Late-Founder, and its been an exhilarating ride ever since. One of the highlights of my tenure has been leading the charge in opening up new markets and expanding Meito´s footprint into Lebanon and Oman. It was a thrilling experience, filled with challenges and triumphs, as we introduced Meito´s unique blend of flavours to these vibrant cultures.
But the adventure didn´t stop there. Over the years, I´ve been deeply involved in constantly refining and evolving the Meito Bubble Tea concept. From tweaking recipes to enhancing customer experiences, every step has been driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to delivering the best possible product to our customers.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been witnessing the impact of our efforts firsthand. Seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces as they take that first sip of our Meito Bubble Tea is truly priceless. It´s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and family, and it fuels our drive to continue pushing the boundaries of what´s possible in the world of bubble tea.
StartupTalky: What inspired you to expand Meito Bubble Tea into the Indian market?
Ben Goetze: Expanding Meito Bubble Tea into the Indian market was a decision driven by both personal and professional motivations. One of the key inspirations came from our incredible team members in Oman, many of whom are from India. They´ve been ardent supporters and ambassadors of the Meito brand, constantly sharing their enthusiasm and love for our bubble tea. Their positive feedback and pride in the brand played a significant role in highlighting the potential and readiness of the Indian market for Meito.
India, with its diverse and vibrant culture, offers a unique and exciting opportunity for us. The country has a rich tradition of tea-drinking, and we saw an amazing chance to introduce our innovative twist on this beloved beverage. We believe that the fusion of our signature bubble tea with the local palate will create a refreshing and exciting experience for Indian consumers.
Moreover, India´s growing middle class and youthful demographic are increasingly open to trying new and innovative products. With its bustling urban centres and a burgeoning interest in international food and beverage trends, India represents a perfect landscape for Meito´s expansion.
In essence, our decision to enter the Indian market is a blend of honouring the passion and dedication of our team members from India and recognizing the tremendous market potential. We´re excited to bring Meito Bubble Tea to India and can´t wait to spread the joy of our delightful beverages to even more people.
StartupTalky: Can you tell us more about the launch of Meito´s India expansion and what it means for the brand?
Ben Goetze: The launch of Meito´s expansion into India is a milestone moment for us and marks a significant step in our journey of global growth. This expansion isn´t just about entering a new market; it´s about embracing a new cultural landscape and connecting with a whole new community of bubble tea enthusiasts.
For the brand, this move into India represents an exciting opportunity to showcase our innovative approach to bubble tea in one of the world´s most dynamic and diverse markets. We´re starting our India journey with a launch event in Chennai on May 17th at The Raintree Hotel St. Mary´s Road, where potential Area Developers will have the chance to meet us in person, learn more about our unique business model, and see firsthand what makes Meito so special.
Having A. Jeevandas as our In-Country Manager for India is a tremendous asset. His deep understanding of the local market dynamics and his passion for the Meito brand will ensure that our launch is not only successful but also resonates with the local audience. Both A. Jeevandas and I will be there in person to connect with potential partners, share our vision, and discuss how they can be part of Meito´s exciting future in India.
This expansion means a lot to Meito. It´s about more than just business growth; it's about building relationships and becoming a beloved part of the everyday lives of people in India. We are bringing our brand´s core values of innovation, quality, and community to a new audience, and we eager to see how Meito can bring smiles and delightful experiences to tea lovers across India.
StartupTalky: What do you envision for the future of Meito Bubble Tea, both in India and globally?
Ben Goetze: My vision for Meito Bubble Tea has always been rooted in spreading joy and happiness in every sip. In India and beyond, I see Meito becoming a beloved household name, synonymous with flavor, innovation, and community. We´re dedicated to continuing our tradition of excellence, exploring new flavors, and embracing diversity to create unforgettable experiences for our customers. The future is bright for Meito, and I´m grateful to be part of this incredible journey.
StartupTalky: How does Meito Bubble Tea plan to adapt its menu and offerings to serve the taste and preferences of the Indian market?
Ben Goetze: Adapting our menu to suit the local tastes and preferences I a key focus for us as we enter the Indian market. At Meito, we understand the importance of cultural nuances and the need to resonate with local palates while maintaining the essence of what makes our bubble tea unique.
We also recognize the diverse dietary preferences and requirements in India. To cater to this, 80 % of our raw materials are vegan (all fruity options) as well as our menu will include a range of options, including gluten free and dairy-free alternatives, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our delicious bubble tea.
Another key aspect of our adaption strategy is customization. We know that personalization is important to our customers, so we´ll continue to offer the flexibility for customers to choose their tea base, sweetness level, flavor, and toppings. This way, everyone can create their perfect Meito bubble tea experience.
StartupTalky: What is Meito Bubble Tea´s franchise model, and what sets it apart from others in the beverage industry?
Ben Goetze: Franchising for us means just one thing: partnership. We´re in this together, backing each other up every step of the way as part of the vibrant Meito family.
At Meito, our franchise model is designed with both simplicity and success in mind. We offer a comprehensive and supportive framework that ensures our franchisees are well-equipped to thrive in the competitive beverage industry.
What makes our franchise model unique and sets us apart are our
- Proven Success and Growth,
- Ease of Operation,
- Comprehensive Training Program,
- Ongoing Operational Assistance,
- Prime Location Selection Support,
- Innovative Store Design,
- Supply Chain Management,
- Marketing Support,
- Quality Assurance,
- Continuous Product Innovation and
- Franchisee Community Network.
StartupTalky: What is Meito Bubble Tea´s franchise model, and what sets it apart from others in the beverage industry?
Ben Goetze: Investing in Meito Bubble Tea franchise is a fantastic opportunity with a relatively low initial investment and promising returns. Here are our Franchise Key Facts & Figures:
- Annual ROI: 80 %
- Investment Recovery: 12-18 Months
- Break Even Period: 3 Months
- Monthly Profit: 2 Lakh
- Total Investment: 29-46 Lakh (depending on the chosen franchise model/format)
- Average Transactions of 150 cups/day
StartupTalky: What ongoing support and training programs does Meito Bubble Tea offer to its franchisees to ensure their success and the overall growth of the brand?
Ben Goetze: At Meito Bubble Tea, we believe that the success of our franchisees is integral to the growth of our brand. That´s why we offer comprehensive ongoing support and training to ensure our franchisees have everything they need to thrive. Including Post Opening Support and training, regular site visits, ongoing support in day-to-day operations, ongoing marketing support, quality assurance, continuous product innovation, supply chain management and our Franchise Community and Networking. We host regular meetings and forums to foster collaboration and growth among our franchise partners.
StartupTalky: How does Meito Bubble Tea ensure consistency in product quality and brand experience across its global franchise network?
Ben Goetze: We ensure top-notch quality and consistency through a few key steps; which are:
- Certified ingredients: Our raw products, such as tea, toppings, powders and juice are regularly checked and certified by international health institutions.
- Fresh Production: We prepare each drink fresh to order, guaranteeing maximum flavour and quality.
- Meito Dispensing machine: We use our own Meito Dispensing Machine across all locations, ensuring every drink meets our high standards.
These measure help us deliver the same great Meito experience upon all our stores.
StartupTalky: What competitive advantages does Meito Bubble Tea have that will enable it to be successful among existing local and international competitors in India?
Ben Goetze: We do stands out with:
High-quality ingredients: We use premium tea leaves and certified raw products, ensuring superior taste.
- Customization: Our extensive menu offers over 6 million possible combinations, catering to diverse tastes.
- Quality of Product & Consistency: Our Meito Dispensing Machine guarantees consistent quality across all locations.
- Local Appeal: We´ve tailored our flavours to suit Indian preferences while keeping our signature taste.
- International Standards:
These advantages position us strongly against local and international competitors.
Subham Kumar
