The Jollibee Group has opened the first Philippine branch of South Korea’s Compose Coffee at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, aiming to strengthen its presence in the competitive local beverage market dominated by established brands like Starbucks.
The opening kicks off a five-year nationwide expansion plan that relies on a franchising model to enable rapid growth while providing business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
With over 3,000 stores in South Korea—including 1,000 launched in under 18 months—the Jollibee Group aims to make the Philippines the brand’s largest international market outside its home country, drawing on operational insights previously gathered from its expansion in Taiwan.
Jollibee Group Chief Executive Officer Philippines and Head of Jollibee Brand Global Joseph Tanbuntiong emphasized that the brand’s local rollout leverages both its proven overseas success and the company’s deep domestic market expertise.
“Our confidence in Compose Coffee’s future in the Philippines is not based on projection alone. It is grounded in experience. 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.
“By combining that experience with the Jollibee Group’s deep understanding of the Philippine market and proven operating capabilities, our goal is to build an enduring brand by earning the trust of Filipino consumers as we expand Compose Coffee across the Philippines with discipline and purpose,” he added.
The chain’s offerings in the country feature standard espresso drinks, Korean-inspired specialty beverages, non-coffee lattes, frappes, smoothies, ades, desserts, and seasonal items tailored to local tastes.
Compose Coffee Korea Chief Executive Officer Gordon Cho noted that the brand’s rapid rise in one of the world’s most demanding coffee markets demonstrates the strength of its core business model.
“South Korea is one of the world’s highest coffee-consuming countries per capita and one of the most competitive coffee markets globally. Compose Coffee’s growth in this environment shows the strength of a brand built on quality, value, consistency, and disciplined execution,” Cho said.
“Together with the Jollibee Group, we are bringing that same discipline to the Philippines—the discipline that helped Compose Coffee become one of Korea’s leading coffee chains—while staying close to Filipino consumers and what they value in their everyday coffee experience,” Cho noted.
Initial franchisee Jeannie Posas expressed confidence in bringing the Korean brand to local consumers through Jollibee’s established network.
“I’ve long admired how Compose Coffee built a loyal following in South Korea by staying true to quality and value. When I learned the Jollibee Group was bringing the brand to the Philippines, I saw an opportunity to be part of a concept with a proven track record and strong long-term potential,” Posas said.
“Partnering with a group that has successfully built brands Filipinos love gave me the confidence to invest from the very beginning. I’m excited to work with the team, learn from our customers, and help make Compose Coffee part of people’s everyday routine.”