Jollibee's Compose Coffee to expand in Southeast Asia

South Korean chain Compose Coffee, a brand under Jollibee Foods Corp.'s (JFC) portfolio, on Tuesday announced plans to expand in Southeast Asia as the group seeks to accelerate global growth moving forward.

JFC said the company is looking to sustain the growth of Compose Coffee after reaching 3,000 stores in September 2025, as it added 1,000 stores in an 18-month period.

"Building on its dominance in its home market, Compose Coffee is now set for overseas expansion, with plans to activate markets across Southeast Asia—riding the global momentum of K-food and backed by a scalable value proposition rooted in quality and affordability," the company said.

JFC acquired a 70% stake in Compose Coffee for a total consideration of $340 million in 2024. The Elevation Equity Partners Korea Limited was left with 25%, while Titan Dining II LP held the remaining 5%.

"As we bring this momentum to more international markets, we see significant opportunities to create long-term value for shareholders," JFC chief financial officer Richard Shin said.

"Compose Coffee is a strategic growth engine for the Jollibee Group's international portfolio, and we are committed to investing behind its global potential," he added.

The announcement comes as JFC earlier this month announced plans to create a standalone international business — Jollibee Foods Corporation International (JFCI) — which it intends to list on a US securities exchange by 2027.

The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes wholly owned brands Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger, and Tim Ho Wan. It also includes franchised brands Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines.

Aside from Compose Coffee, JFC also has ownership stakes in The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, SuperFoods Group, and Milksha. It also has membership interests in Tortazo LLC, and Botrista.

It ended September 2025 with 6,859 stores abroad—535 in China, 355 in North America, 410 in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Australasia (EMAA), and 928 with Highlands Coffee mainly in Vietnam. — VDV, GMA Integrated News