MANILA, Philippines — Filipino coffee lovers now have another reason to get excited as South Korea’s popular budget-friendly coffee chain, Compose Coffee, officially makes its Philippine debut under the Jollibee Group.
The brand opened its first Philippine store at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, marking the beginning of the Jollibee Group’s ambitious plan to establish Compose Coffee as one of the country’s growing coffee and beverage brands. The Philippine launch follows the Jollibee Group’s acquisition of a majority stake in Compose Coffee in 2024 as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the coffee and tea segment.
Founded in South Korea in 2014, Compose Coffee was built around the idea of making quality coffee more accessible to consumers. The brand has since expanded rapidly in its home market, now operating more than 3,000 stores, including about 1,000 outlets added in less than 18 months.
Bringing the Korean Coffee Experience to Filipinos
Compose Coffee is known in South Korea for its affordable coffee offerings and wide selection of beverages, making it particularly popular among consumers looking for accessible options for their everyday coffee fix.
Its arrival in the Philippines gives local customers the opportunity to experience the brand without having to travel to South Korea, where the chain has established a strong nationwide presence.
The Philippine launch is also part of the Jollibee Group’s broader international coffee strategy, following the expansion of Compose Coffee into other markets in the region.
Jollibee Group Philippines CEO Joseph Tanbuntiong said the company’s confidence in bringing the brand to the Philippines is based on Compose Coffee’s performance in South Korea and the group’s own experience in developing brands across different markets.
Five-Year Expansion Plan
Beyond its first BGC location, the Jollibee Group is targeting an aggressive five-year expansion program for Compose Coffee. The company aims to build the largest Compose Coffee network outside South Korea, with nationwide growth expected to be driven largely through franchising. The franchise-led approach is designed to allow the brand to expand more quickly while allowing Filipino entrepreneurs to participate in the coffee business.
The Jollibee Group said its expansion strategy will also draw from its experience in Taiwan, where Compose Coffee recently made its international debut. “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,” Tanbuntiong said.
Another Player in the Philippine Coffee Market
Compose Coffee’s arrival adds another major international name to the increasingly competitive Philippine coffee market, where consumers have seen a growing number of local and global coffee chains expand their presence. For Jollibee, the move further strengthens its coffee and tea portfolio while providing the group with another brand that can potentially reach consumers beyond its traditional quick-service restaurant market.
With its first Philippine store now open and a nationwide expansion plan underway, Compose Coffee is set to compete for a share of Filipinos’ increasingly diverse coffee preferences.
As the Korean coffee chain begins its Philippine journey, its combination of accessibility, variety and an established international footprint could make it a brand to watch in the country’s rapidly evolving coffee scene.
