MANILA, Philippines — Homegrown fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is expanding its footprint in the country’s fast-growing café market with the planned launch of South Korean coffee chain Compose Coffee in 2026.
The rollout will be led by JFC subsidiary Fresh N’ Famous Foods Inc. under a master franchise agreement, marking another step in the conglomerate’s broader push to strengthen its beverage portfolio in the Philippines.
Jollibee executives said the entry of Compose Coffee aligns with the group’s strategy of making quality coffee more accessible while capturing a larger share of everyday beverage occasions. The move follows JFC’s earlier acquisition of a majority stake in the South Korea-based brand, which has grown rapidly in its home market since its founding in 2014.
Compose Coffee has built a strong presence in South Korea with thousands of stores, known for its value-driven pricing, wide beverage selection and streamlined store operations. Its menu typically features espresso-based drinks, flavored lattes and iced coffee varieties that cater to younger consumers and price-conscious customers — a segment that continues to expand in the Philippines.
The brand’s arrival is expected to intensify competition in the local café landscape, long dominated by global chains such as Starbucks alongside a growing number of regional and homegrown players. Analysts note that Compose Coffee’s positioning — offering premium-style beverages at competitive prices — could challenge established brands, particularly in high-traffic urban areas.
The expansion also complements Jollibee’s existing beverage investments, which include The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Vietnam-based Highlands Coffee, and Taiwanese milk tea brand Milksha. Together, these brands form part of JFC’s strategy to diversify beyond its core quick-service restaurant business and tap into the strong growth momentum of the coffee and tea segment.
Compose Coffee’s entry could reshape competitive dynamics in the country’s increasingly crowded café market, where consumer demand for specialty drinks, aesthetic café spaces and more affordable options continues to rise.
With the Philippine coffee culture evolving rapidly, industry observers will be watching closely how Compose Coffee differentiates itself — and how aggressively it expands — once it officially opens its doors in 2026.
