The Jollibee Group has opened the first Philippine store of its popular South Korean brand Compose Coffee as it seeks the right formula to establish a stronger presence in a fierce local coffee and tea market dominated by Starbucks.

Located at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, the inaugural branch kicks off a five-year nationwide growth plan part of Jollibee Group’s broader strategy to scale its coffee and tea segment.

Through Compose Coffee, the group brings to the country a model already proven at scale in South Korea, where the chain has expanded to over 3,000 stores—1,000 of which were added in under 18 months. The firm noted its strategy in the Philippines draws on early learnings from its successful entry into Taiwan.

“Our confidence in Compose Coffee’s future in the Philippines is not based on projection alone. It is grounded in experience. We have seen the brand scale successfully in South Korea, stay closely attuned to what customers value, and build a resilient business that can deliver sustainable long-term growth,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Executive Officer Philippines and Head of Jollibee Brand Global.

“By combining that experience with the Jollibee Group’s deep understanding of the Philippine market and proven operating capabilities, our goal is to build an enduring brand by earning the trust of Filipino consumers as we expand Compose Coffee across the Philippines with discipline and purpose,” Tanbuntiong added.

The local launch combines Compose Coffee’s brand strengths with the Jollibee Group’s consumer insights, with execution adapted to the domestic market.

“South Korea is one of the world’s highest coffee-consuming countries per capita and one of the most competitive coffee markets globally. Compose Coffee’s growth in this environment shows the strength of a brand built on quality, value, consistency, and disciplined execution,” said Compose Coffee Korea Chief Executive Officer Gordon Cho.

“Together with the Jollibee Group, we are bringing that same discipline to the Philippines—the discipline that helped Compose Coffee become one of Korea’s leading coffee chains—while staying close to Filipino consumers and what they value in their everyday coffee experience,” Cho noted.

Nationwide expansion will be driven primarily by franchising—a capital-light model that enables rapid scaling while opening opportunities for entrepreneurs. Over the next five years, the Jollibee Group aims to build the largest Compose Coffee network outside South Korea in the Philippines, reflecting its strategy of scaling high-potential international brands in markets where it holds strong operating capabilities.

Compose Coffee’s menu spans familiar coffeehouse staples like Americanos and flavored lattes to distinctive Korean-inspired creations. The lineup extends to non-coffee lattes, frappes, smoothies, ades, juices, desserts, and seasonal offerings.

For local franchisee Jeannie Posas, the launch presents an opportunity to introduce a proven concept to the local market.

“I’ve long admired how Compose Coffee built a loyal following in South Korea by staying true to quality and value. When I learned the Jollibee Group was bringing the brand to the Philippines, I saw an opportunity to be part of a concept with a proven track record and strong long-term potential,” Posas said. “Partnering with a group that has successfully built brands Filipinos love gave me the confidence to invest from the very beginning. I’m excited to work with the team, learn from our customers, and help make Compose Coffee part of people’s everyday routine.” (James A. Loyola)