Jollibee invests $28m in beverage firm Botrista

The investment aligns with its goal of tapping into the growing market for beverages globally.

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), through its subsidiary, Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), invested $28m for a 10% stake in beverage technology firm Botrista, Inc. 

Botrista, a pioneer in beverage technology, boasts over 100 global patents for its proprietary dispense technology, which facilitates the automated preparation of cold specialty coffee and tea-based beverages using premium and all-natural ingredients. 

“Botrista is a game changer for the beverage industry,” said JFC Chairman Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong. “We are excited to invest in a company that creates excellent and innovative products enabling food service operators to deliver a world-class customer experience and providing a substantial runway for sustained profitable growth.”

JWPL will be the lead investor in the venture.

JFC's investment aligns with its goal of tapping into the growing market for beverages globally, estimated at $3t, whilst enhancing distribution channels and offering healthier options to consumers.

With a robust cash flow from operations, JFC also reaffirms its commitment to its capital allocation priorities, including investments in new and existing stores, commissaries, and technology.

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The investment, financed through JFC's surplus cash, will support Botrista's expansion efforts, production capabilities, and research initiatives.

“We are delighted to have JFC as a partner. Our team is committed to winning in the marketplace and this partnership will help us continue investing in our technology to scale more quickly and further improve our innovative capabilities,” said Sean Hsu, founder of Botrista.