Takeaway app Foodhub has announced a partnership with popular bubble tea franchise Chatime as part of its strategic expansion into London. This move marks a significant step for the UK’s fourth-largest takeaway marketplace, which has seen rapid growth in recent years, and reflects its ambition to diversify beyond traditional takeaway offerings.
Foodhub, which has grown its orders by 10% since 2023, continues to make strides in key areas of the UK. While the company has already established itself in the northern regions, particularly through competitive pricing and significant investments in TV and outdoor advertising, London now presents a critical area for future expansion.
The addition of Chatime to Foodhub’s listings offers customers access to one of the world’s most recognised bubble tea brands. From 17th September, Londoners will be able to order from ten different Chatime locations in Greater London, with the potential for further growth.
Jacqueline Sims, Chief Operating Officer at Foodhub, described the partnership as a natural progression for the app, which aims to cater to changing customer preferences while expanding its footprint.
“We’ve seen rapid expansion in key locations in the north thanks to our fair pricing policy and investment into TV and out-of-home advertising, but we’re not stopping there. London is key for us. We’re also committed to delivering on customer favourites – and bubble tea is just hugely popular with our target customer. Offering our customers Chatime via the Foodhub app is a no-brainer,” Sims said.
To celebrate the launch, new customers using the Foodhub app will be offered £3 off their first Chatime order, available from 17th September.
This partnership allows Foodhub to compete more effectively with larger rivals in the UK’s highly competitive food delivery sector, such as Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo. It also signals Foodhub’s intention to attract a younger, more trend-conscious customer base that has shown a strong appetite for beverages like bubble tea.
Peter Wong, Chatime’s Head of Strategy, said the collaboration with Foodhub was an exciting development for the brand’s UK presence.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Foodhub to expand our delivery footprint in their key growth areas. This collaboration allows us to bring the Chatime experience to even more bubble tea lovers, and we’re excited to grow together while delivering our premium beverages straight to customers’ doors,” Wong said.
While bubble tea has become increasingly popular across the UK, London represents a significant market for Chatime and Foodhub alike. The move is expected to increase both companies’ reach within the city, where competition for food and drink delivery services remains fierce.
As more consumers continue to seek convenience and variety in their dining options, Foodhub’s decision to diversify its offerings through partnerships like this demonstrates its commitment to staying competitive in the dynamic food delivery space.