Singapore’s competitive bubble tea scene witnessed a sudden shake-up in October when the major international chain Gong Cha unexpectedly closed all its locations across the island. Filling the void left by this swift departure is Cai Ca (采茶), a newly launched beverage brand specializing in unique tea offerings, six of which have replaced previous Gong Cha outlets. Cai Ca aims to differentiate itself by introducing a pioneering dairy-alternative approach to the classic drink, offering both traditional flavors and new, health-conscious options for consumers.
The Unexpected Shift in Singapore’s Beverage Landscape
The abrupt exit of Gong Cha, a major player in the global bubble tea industry, surprised many Singaporean fans. The brand’s complete shutdown of every local outlet created an immediate hole in the market for ready-to-drink, customizable tea beverages. Stepping into this vacuum is Cai Ca, whose moniker translates to “picking tea,” referencing the meticulous process of plucking leaves from a tea plantation.
Cai Ca is positioning itself as an innovator within the food and beverage (F&B) sector by becoming the first brand in Singapore to incorporate soybean milk into its core tea brewing process. This innovation directly addresses the growing demand for dairy-free options. A signature offering demonstrating this commitment is the Toffee Chewy Pearl Soy Milk Tea, providing a delicious alternative suitable for individuals who are lactose-intolerant or consciously avoiding dairy products for dietary or health considerations.
Innovative Brews Meet Familiar Favorites
While promoting dairy-free alternatives, Cai Ca ensures that traditionalists are not overlooked. The menu harmoniously blends new concepts with beloved classics, offering a comprehensive selection for all preferences:
- For the Traditionalist: The menu features staples like the Classic Chewy Pearl Milk Tea (priced around $4.60) and the decadent Choco Intense with Chewy Pearl (approximately $5.80).
- For the Flavor Enthusiast: Patrons seeking vibrant, fresh profiles can explore fruit- and floral-infused options, including the Green or Purple Grape Imperial Jasmine (about $5.20), Peach Fruit Tea, and Golden Osmanthus Tea.
This dual focus allows Cai Ca to capture both emerging segments interested in healthier options and established consumers seeking the familiar satisfaction of conventional milk tea.
Strategic Relaunch: Establishing a Strong Retail Presence
Cai Ca has quickly established a retail footprint by converting six former Gong Cha premises into its new locations. This strategy provides immediate visibility and capitalizes on existing high-traffic retail spaces.
Current Cai Ca Locations:
- Bugis Junction
- Century Square
- King Albert Park
- Lot One
- Northpoint City
- NUS UTown
While the majority of these outlets operate as convenient kiosks, the Lot One location offers an enhanced consumer experience. Situated adjacent to the Choa Chu Kang Public Library, this branch provides a bar counter and seating dedicated to patrons wishing to linger over their beverages.
The quick launch of six locations marks a solid entry point for the new brand. By focusing on dairy alternatives and strategic retail placement, Cai Ca seeks to quickly secure a significant share of Singapore’s competitive bubble tea market following the dramatic departure of its predecessor. Consumers can follow the brand’s latest developments and announcements via its official Instagram channel, @caica_sg.