Corporate gifting is one of the critical strategies of a company, as giving gifts to employees, customers, and clients creates an immediate emotional connection between the company and gift recipient, thus improving the business’s overall success.

According to some corporate gifting statistics, not only are corporate gifts a fun way to celebrate or give thanks to the people who help your business thrive, but they are also great for your business strategy.

This is why we’ve gathered some important figures related to corporate gifting, so read on if you want to learn more!

Key Corporate Gifting Stats and Facts

• The UK corporate gifting market is worth around $105 million in 2022.
• The US corporate gifting market is calculated to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2021 to 2024.
• Gifts of up to $25 for each person per tax year can be deducted from the tax in the US.
• Employees can receive gifts of $500 per year without paying the tax in Canada.
• 35% of corporate gifts were food and beverages in the UK in 2021.
• 66% of people are able to recall a brand name a year after receiving a promotional gift.
• 27% of employees prefer their employers to show appreciation by giving them cash.
• 43% of 2021 survey respondents from the US stated that improved relationships are the main advantage of corporate gifting.
• When buying a gift, 88% of corporate gift buyers look for good-quality products.
• Companies that use non-monetary motivations have recorded an increase of productivity of +14%.

Corporate Gifting Industry Stats and Market Trends

The global corporate gifting industry has experienced a significant shift in the past few years. So, let’s start with listing the crucial figures concerning the market and financial data and see what the future for corporate gifting holds.

1. The UK corporate gifting market is worth around $105 million

(Truly)

Due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, people struggle to keep in touch, so businesses have to find innovative ways to connect with employees and customers. This led numerous companies to express appreciation while also motivating people by sending gifts.

This is why the corporate gifting market has seen unprecedented growth, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

2. The corporate gifting market in the US is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2021 to 2024

(GiftNow)

The U.S. corporate gifting market is expected to reach $306 billion by 2024. Moreover, the US market offers an estimated $64 billion in incremental opportunity in the 2021-2024 period.

In 2021, external corporate gifting was assessed to comprise approximately 60% of the overall corporate gifting market, counting just over $140 billion.

3. Around 80% of corporate gift buyers stated gifts have improved relationships with clients and employees.

(Forbes)

According to a study conducted among 300 corporate gift buyers, 80% of respondents claimed that gifts have improved relationships with coworkers and clients.

Moreover, 48% of the companies said gifting had delivered a substantial benefit, as it made recipients feel valued, improved customer loyalty, and improved employee retention.

4. From the end of 2021, 22% of the median corporate gift budget rise is attributed to gifts for employees.

(Yahoo Finance)

Gifts for employees began to account for 22% of the rise in the median corporate gift budget.

Since the pandemic started, businesses around the globe started spending more on gifts, which led to the median corporate gift budget rise.

5. According to research from 2021, 35% of respondents stated gifting more than standard since working remotely.

(Synchrony)

The research also showed that almost 50% of businesses claimed they intended to increase the frequency of their gift-giving post-pandemic.

What’s more, 66% of those who increased the frequency of gift-giving said they had done so to keep their teams motivated, while around 60% wanted to maintain connections with their clients.

6. Gifts of up to $25 for each person per tax year can be deducted from the tax.

(Hoppier)

According to the IRS, if an employer sends a gift more expensive than $25 in the US, this amount will still be tax-deductible. This law applies to both gifts directly given to an employee or indirectly given to an employee’s family or a client.

However, when it comes to gift cards, their whole cost is tax-deductible since they are classed as an income.

7. In Canada, employees can receive gifts of $500 per year without paying the tax.

(Wagepoint)

This shows that the rules around gift-giving are more straightforward in Canada than in the US. An employer can give an unlimited number of awards and non-cash gifts with the condition that all combined don’t exceed the $500 value.

Corporate Gift Shopping Trends

Corporate gifting is all about motivating employees, or strengthening relationships with current or prospective clients, meaning choosing the right ones could be challenging.

In the following section, we are listing the most popular corporate gifts and answering the questions such as: How much do companies spend on corporate gifts on average?

8. The majority of companies spend between $75-$100 per gift

(Yahoo Finance)

These numbers imply that companies have been more willing to increase their budgets since the pandemic started. A quarter of the surveyed companies will spend in the listed range for individual gifts, while 20% will spend on group gifts.

Moreover, as of October 2021, according to one gift service, the average gift checks are $125 per unit year-over-year, marking an increase of 66%.

9. Amazon, Apple, and Walmart are the top major players in the Corporate Gifting Market.

(MarketWatch)

According to the 2021 Corporate Gifting Industry Market report, Amazon, Apple, and Walmart are the top three companies that dominate the Corporate Gifting Market.

They are followed by Google Play, Starbucks, Sephora, and many others.

10. In 2021, 35% of corporate gifts were food and beverages in the UK.

(PR Newswire)

The most popular types of corporate gifts were followed by 29% of gift cards and 21% of monetary rewards like commissions and bonuses.

In comparison, from the middle of 2020 to the middle of 2021, the most purchased gifting items in the US were gift cards, 51% of which were physical, while 48% were digital. Moreover, gift card sales are predicted to rise even more since nearly seven in ten US shoppers have switched to online shopping.

11. Speaking of gift cards, the global gift card market is estimated to grow a CAGR of 16.2% from 2020 to 2027.

(Allied Market Research)

In 2019, the global gift market had a value of $619.25 billion, while the request for gift cards kept growing in 2020 and 2021.

Not only are gift cards used as corporate gifts for employees, but many companies send them as a developmental strategy for promoting businesses, attracting new customers, increasing brand awareness, and improving business sales.

12. After receiving a promotional gift, 66% of people are able to recall a brand name after a year.

(Dayspring Pens)

What’s more, 24% of gift-giving opened up new opportunities or leads for the gifting company.

Promoting a business is one of the ways that gift-giving can aid business growth, followed by increasing productivity, boosting customer relationships, and enhancing brand reputation.

This has shown as a fantastic marketing tactic since corporate gifting maintains a business in the minds of its clients and improves a brand recall rate. Business-to-business gifts typically consist of promotional merchandise related to a brand.

Interesting Facts About Corporate Gifting

In the following section, we are looking at some of the most exciting facts about corporate gifting. Read on if you want to find out whether giving gifts to motivate employees or promoting brands is a recent thing or about the most popular searches for corporate gifts during the pandemic.

13. According to research, corporate and promotional gifts date back 200 years.

(Smart Source Networking)

This shows that gifting as a way of marketing and motivational means is not a somewhat recent trend.

However, some other sources claim promotional and corporative gifts date back to ancient Egypt, where, through these gifts, people strived to earn the gratitude and attention of the most influential personalities.

14. As per one of the most popular gift services globally, gift popularity varied by region in 2021.

(Yahoo Finance)

Not only did the median corporate gift budget see a significant rise since the pandemic outburst, but the tastes and preferences have changed in some regions. For example, the search criteria in the US showed words like “security,” “outdoor experience,” habit-forming,” and “mental health,” while “family” and “home decor” are the top keywords in Asia.

The European countries, on the other hand, searched for “remote working” and “health.”

15. 27% of employees prefer their employers to show appreciation by giving them cash.

(Wagepoint)

Although a considerable number of workers suggested they only long for a thank-you from their boss, 16% would like Fridays off, and 14% prefer employee training and advancement opportunities.

Moreover, 12% would be satisfied with some movie or event tickets, 8% could do with flexible parental leave or telecommuting days, while 6% would appreciate massages.

16. 57% of employees state that receiving gifts by mail makes them feel more appreciated.

(Sendoso)

Naturally, this refers to direct mail gifts, which develop a feeling of being respected by employers and encourage a sense of belonging and relationship to the team. This leads to the way people perform their roles and the quality of service they deliver.

17. 80% of customers state that they would probably do business with a company if offered personalized experiences.

(Instapage)

However, although sending the right gift and choosing the right time can motivate consumers, research also shows that 63% of people are annoyed with the brands that overdo sending generic advertising messages. 90% of consumers think personalization is appealing.

18. According to a survey from 2021 in the US, 43% of respondents stated that improved relationships are the main advantage of corporate gifting.

(GiftNow)

The results clearly show that people value emotional benefits over monetary benefits. Moreover, the sentimental benefits surpass the other two advantages, including lead generation and improved sales.

19. 88% of corporate gift buyers look for good quality products when buying a gift.

(Forbes)

These corporate gifting statistics show that personal and corporate gifting preferences are not that different. In both cases, the best gifts are chosen carefully with a recipient in mind. With 82%, the second place on buyers’ lists is timely delivery, while 81% want a wide variety of gifts to choose from.

However, the difference between choosing corporate and personal gifts is that in the latter case, buyers choose one-to-many, as opposed to a one-to-one gift.

20. Companies that use non-monetary motivations have recorded an increase of productivity of +14%.

(Filo)

These incentives for employees and customers have also recorded a 9.6% increase in annual turnover, showing once again that gifting your clients, employees, and customers is a crucial strategy to boost growth and performance.

Related Questions

How to choose the best corporate gift?

According to corporate gift-giving etiquette, when giving someone a corporate gift, you need to keep it tasteful, show respect and gratitude by sending equal gifts to every employee, avoid flooding the office with promotional material, and not bribe.

When should you give corporate gifts?

The most typical and adequate time to give corporate gifts is around the holiday season; however, other national holidays are fantastic times to give as well.

The third occasion perfect for gifting is a business reaching a significant achievement, but if you are planning on gifting in any other circumstance, you should include a note explaining a reason for doing that.

Can a company gift money to an employee?

Yes, however, gift cards redeemable for cash and cash as a gift are taxable to the employee. Moreover, accomplishment awards or non-monetary perks like holiday trips are taxable compensation.

Conclusion 

Corporate gifts can take many forms, but what matters most is what they represent. Hopefully, these corporate gifting statistics have shown you the importance and benefits of expressing gratitude and appreciation towards employees and clients by giving them well thought-off gifts, thus encouraging personal and professional development.

Happy employees and customers promote a business best, as they are an excellent way to connect your brand to others and increase brand recognition.

259 Wonderful Gift Basket Business Name Ideas

589 Gift Shop Name Ideas That Make You Say Wow

Sources

• Allied Market Research
• Dayspring Pens
• Dayspring Pens
• Filo
• Forbes
• GiftNow
• Hoppier
• Inc.
• Instapage
• LBMC
• MarketWatch
• PR Newswire
• Sendoso
• Smart Source Networking
• Synchrony
• That’s Caring
• Truly
• Wagepoint
• Yahoo Finance

It seems almost impossible that some plant-based products taste the same as meat. Luckily, vegans and other people who follow similar diets don’t have to give up on their favorite foods anymore, as they have cruelty-free alternatives for almost anything.

Plant-based meat has become much more prevalent because people are more aware of how detrimental the meat industry is to our environment. Also, it’s healthier than conventional meat.

We’ve compiled various plant-based meat stats to help you get a bigger picture about its market, consumers, and benefits. Therefore, read on to find out more about plant-based meat.

Key Plant-Based Meat Trends, Facts, and Stats (Editor’s Pick)

• The worldwide plant-based meat market is predicted to reach $14.9 billion by 2027.
• Beyond Meat’s burgers and sausages are available in 122,000 stores around the world.
• 21% of meat-eaters buy plant-based meat.
• 51% of those aged 60 or older don’t consume plant-based meat.
• 27% of people don’t eat plant-based meat because they don’t like how it tastes.
• Only 4% of plant-based meat alternatives are low in sodium.
• Plant-based meat emits between 30% and 90% less greenhouse than animal meat.
• 70% of people have enjoyed eating vegan meat at fast-food chains in the US.

Statistics Regarding Plant-Based Meat Market Size, Share, and Revenues

1. The worldwide plant-based meat market is estimated to reach $14.9 billion by 2027.

(Globe Newswire)

The plant-based market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15% between 2020 and 2027. Some factors that could influence this industry’s growth are concerns about animal cruelty, increasing consciousness about the benefits of eating vegan meat, and more people who follow a plant-based diet.

2. Only 4% of plant-based meat sales in the US are from Impossible Foods.

(Reuters)

Impossible Foods is a company that produces plant-based meat. However, while Beyond Meat’s market share stands at 25%, Impossible Foods hold only 4%. These two companies are the most prominent in the vegan meat industry, but it seems that Beyond Food has a larger market share.

3. Beyond Meat’s burgers and sausages are available in 122,000 stores worldwide.

(Reuters)

Impossible foods vs Beyond Meat market share statistics reveal that Beyond Meat is considerably more popular. Namely, it’s possible to find Beyond Meat’s products in more than 120,000 stores around the world, while Impossible Foods’ burgers and sausages can be found in only 20,000.

4. The global plant-based meat market is valued at $8.976 billion.

(Statista)

Statista’s data reveal that the plant-based meat industry’s revenue has increased significantly since 2016, when it was $3,644 billion. In 2022, it amounts to $8.976 billion, and it’s estimated to almost double by 2026, reaching $16.7 billion.

5. The US plant-based meat market was worth $939 million in 2021.

(Green Queen)

The plant-based meat market size in 2021 was almost $940 million, meaning that the demand for such products in the US is growing. They’re more available, and customers can now find them even in regular grocery stores and markets.

6. Plant-based meat and dairy could comprise 7.7% of the worldwide protein market by 2030.

(Fortune)

As plant-based food sales are very likely to increase by five times until 2030, the plant-based meat industry growth is inevitable. Furthermore, meat and dairy substitutes are healthier, and younger generations are more prone to purchasing more nutritious foods. Therefore, we can conclude that these estimations are correct.

7. The US plant-based meat market increased by 45% between 2019 and 2020.

(GFI)

The US plant-based meat market grew by 45 percent between 2019 and 2020. Statistics show that the sales of plant-based meat increased by a shocking 72% between 2018 and 2020.

On top of that, more than 290 million units of plant-based meat were sold in 2020.

Global Plant-Based and Vegan Trend Statistics

8. 21% of meat-eaters also buy plant-based meat.

(GFI)

According to consumers, health benefits and different sources of protein are the primary reasons for buying plant-based meat. Nevertheless, the two most popular plant-based meat companies, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, report that 90% of their customers buy animal products.

9. Only 25% of those aged 15 to 29 never eat plant-based meat alternatives.

(Euro Monitor)

According to plant-based consumer demographics, younger generations are more likely to be aware of all the benefits of the vegan lifestyle and plant-based food, so they purchase it more frequently.

On the contrary, 51% of those aged 60 or older never buy plant-based meat. The same statistics show that men aged 44-75 are the least likely to worry about environmental issues.

10. Around 62% of plant-based food buyers in the US purchased beef-style alternative burgers in 2021.

(Statista)

Statista’s plant-based meat stats reveal that American plant-based food buyers preferred beef-style alternative burgers last year, while only 26% consumed pork alternatives in 2020.

11. 51% of people don’t consume plant-based meat alternatives because they prefer real meat.

(GFI)

Over 50% of people choose to eat meat because they like it more than plant-based alternatives. Apart from that, 27% of them don’t like the taste of plant-based meat, 25% think it’s too expensive, 21% claim it’s too processed, and 20% don’t like its texture.

12. Australia and Eastern Europe have the smallest plant-based meat market share (2% per region).

(Statista)

Eating plant-based meat isn’t a popular trend in Eastern Europe and Australia. In fact, North America and Western Europe hold the majority of the global market share (44% and 34%, respectively). On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa account for 4%, while Latin America accounts for 3%.

13. Vegan meat appears on 10.29% of restaurant menus in New York.

(Vegconomist)

According to a report that includes data collected from 880,000 American restaurants, consumers are most likely to find vegan meat options in New York.

Las Vegas isn’t far behind, where 7.9% of restaurants offer plant-based meat. It’s worth mentioning that Oregon is the state that has the most restaurants serving plant-based meat dishes.

Plant-Based Industry Trends and Other Noteworthy Stats and Facts

14. Only 4% of plant-based meats are low in sodium.

(Greatist)

Plant-based meat vs meat nutrition facts reveal some cons of plant-based meat, and one of them is high amounts of sodium. Aside from that, plant-based meat can lack essential vitamins and minerals naturally present in meat.

15. Plant-based meat emits between 30% and 90% less greenhouse gas than conventional meat.

(GFI)

The plant-based meat trend is appealing to younger generations because it’s much more environmentally friendly. Namely, plant-based meat causes 51%-91% less aquatic nutrient pollution and uses 72%-99% less water than conventional meat.

Switching to plant-based meat or at least increasing its intake can have a tremendous impact on the environment and save countless lives.

16. In 2021, restaurants in the US saved 700,000 animals with plant-based options.

(USA Today)

Research conducted by World Animal Protection revealed that fast-food restaurants saved around 92,000 cows, 212,000 pigs, and 405,000 chickens in 2021, all thanks to vegan meat alternatives.

Luckily, plant-based meat market trends for 2022 reveal that there will be even more meatless options at fast-food restaurants.

17. Eating less meat can save 10 million human lives per year.

(NutritionFacts.org)

Apart from saving lives, a plant-based diet can save $30 trillion only from the health benefits, as it can lower the rates of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. That’s why people should consider following a vegan diet or reducing their meat intake.

18. Those who consume the most plant protein have a 29% lower risk of heart disease.

(Newsroom)

One of the well-known plant-based meat nutrition facts is that it lowers the risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, in a study of more than 37,000 Americans aged around 50, those who consumed plant protein the most were 29% less likely to die from heart disease and 27% less likely to die of any cause.

19. 70% of American survey respondents have enjoyed eating fake meat at fast-food chains.

(PIPLSAY)

Piplsay surveyed 30,700 Americans in 2021 and found out that 70% of Americans liked plant-based or fake meat at fast-food restaurants, while 60% would continue eating it. Also, only 29% didn’t know that several major US fast-food chains served plant-based meat.

Of that 60% of people who would eat it again, 42% would do it for health reasons, 34% for the flavor, and 24% for environmental reasons.

20. Impossible Foods cut retail prices by 20% in February 2021.

(Washington Post)

As the vegan meat market becomes more extensive, the prices of plant-based meat decrease. For example, Impossible Foods reduced its restaurant prices twice in 2020. Moreover, it cut retail prices by 20% in February last year.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef can cost between $4.1 and $6, while the cost of Impossible Foods’ two quarter-pound patties is $5.49. The goal of this company is to keep lowering prices and eventually undercut the price of ground beef.

Conclusion: Plant-Based Meat Stats

It seems that people have become more aware of the benefits of plant-based meat. Apart from being healthier than real meat, its production is environmentally-friendly.

Even if older generations usually don’t put a lot of faith in plant-based meat and believe real meat is an essential part of our diet, Millennials and Gen Zers don’t think the same. That’s why the plant-based meat industry has a bright future.

On top of that, the plant-based meat market share has increased significantly during the past several years, meaning that all estimations regarding this industry are most likely to be correct.

Related Questions

What is plant-based meat?

Plant-based meat is a term for food made of plants but mimics the taste of meat and fish. Not all fake meats are plant-based, as some of them contain eggs or milk. Other ingredients such meat is made of are tofu, soy, vital wheat gluten (seitan), potato starch, various kinds of nuts and seeds, etc.

Eating plant’-based meat is healthier and can help with weight management. Furthermore, research shows that it can also prevent various health issues, like cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Why is plant-based meat so expensive?

Vegan meat is more expensive because there’s a lower demand for it. Although the plant-based meat market is growing rapidly, it’s still relatively small, which leaves companies that produce it no choice but to increase the prices. Also, such companies operate in a free market, which is another reason why plant-based meat is more expensive.

What chemicals are in plant-based meat?

Since plant-based meat isn’t natural, it’s expected that it contains unhealthy chemicals. The most common are:

• Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) – Some studies have revealed an association between TBHQ and cancer
• Magnesium carbonate – Used in foods to retain color, but also in flooring, fire-extinguishing, and fireproofing compounds
• Erythrosine (Red #3) – An artificial food coloring, also associated with cancer
• Propylene glycol – Used as a moisturizer. However, it’s the main ingredient in antifreeze.
• Ferric orthophosphate – Used to fortify foods but can be used as a pesticide. It’s considered safe in small doses.

Is plant-based meat really better for the environment?

Yes. Firstly, plant-based meat produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less land space. Also, while it takes between 2,000 and 8,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, only 300 gallons of water is needed to make tofu. Livestock production leads to more groundwater pollution, as well.

There are many other reasons why plant-based meat is better for the environment. Of course, its production can negatively affect the environment, but producing meat is much more detrimental.

How popular is plant-based meat?

If we consider that plant-based meat and dairy sales could reach $162 billion by 2030, we can conclude that vegan meat will be even more popular than before.

The number of vegans in the US has increased compared to the previous years, as well as the demand for plant-based meat. Plant-based meat stats also reveal that vegan meat and dairy could comprise 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030, which is encouraging.

Sources

• Euro Monitor
• Fortune
• GFI
• GFI
• GFI
• Globe Newswire
• Greatist
• Green Queen
• NCBI
• Newsroom
• NutritionFacts.org
• PCRM
• PIPLSAY
• Reuters
• Statista
• Statista
• USA Today
• Vegconomist
• Washington Post

Bubble tea, also known as Boba or Boba tea, is rapidly becoming one of the world’s favorite beverages. We’re guessing you already know what bubble tea is. But in case you don’t… It’s tea served with a giant chewy ball of tapioca at the bottom of the cup. And if you have a sweet tooth, it’s SO GOOD.

Originally created in Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea has quickly exploded in popularity. There’s a lot more to bubble tea than meets the eye, and we’ve discovered all of the reasons that it’s a global favorite.

Keep reading to discover everything we’ve uncovered about bubble tea.

General Bubble Tea Statistics

While bubble tea is enjoyed by people of all ages, it tends to be a global favorite among younger people. This is likely due to its naturally sweet flavor and all of the different varieties of teas that are available.

With shops all around the world in many major cities, it’s easy to indulge your bubble tea craving when you want to!

1. Fruit-flavored bubble teas account for the largest percentage of bubble tea consumed at 37%.

Although there are plenty of bubble tea flavors to choose from, fruit teas tend to be the most popular.

Over ⅓ of the bubble tea enjoyed around the world is fruit-flavored.

Some of the most popular fruit flavors include strawberry, blueberry, green apple, pineapple, passion fruit, mango, lemon, watermelon, grape, peach, cantaloupe, banana, and kiwi among others.

Virtually any fruit that you can think of can be enjoyed in a bubble tea drink.

2. Young people between ages 20 and 29 are interested in bubble tea.

According to a recent consumer study, 94% of people between ages 20 and 29 have purchased bubble tea within the last 3 months.

Although people of all ages frequently enjoy bubble teas across the globe, younger people tend to drink them more frequently.

Teenagers and people in their 20s consistently account for the highest consumer percentage of bubble teas.

More people are discovering and enjoying bubble tea every year, however, so these figures may soon change as people age and continue to enjoy their favorite drink.

3. In the United States, 95% of women have tried bubble tea versus 81% of males.

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that bubble tea is going to be more popular among women than men. In the United States, 95% of women have tried bubble tea as opposed to 81% of men.

Girls and women are the primary demographic among bubble tea drinkers, with 95% having tried it.

When you look at the marketing for bubble tea, the numbers make sense.

Bubble tea is often seen as a sweet, fruity, and more feminine drink in the western world, particularly with its multi-colored straws and cute cartoon packaging designs.

In Asia, however, it is equally popular among men and women and is seen as a cultural phenomenon.

4. There was a 3,000% increase in the amount of bubble tea orders in Southeast Asia in 2018.

During the late 1980s and into the 1990s, bubble tea was only consumed in a select few countries including Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.

Since then, however, bubble tea has expanded across the rest of Asia, and there was a sudden explosion of popularity during 2018, particularly in Singapore.

The United States and Australia were both introduced to bubble tea in the mid-1990s, and it has been growing in popularity ever since.

5. Bubble tea typically sells for about $3 to $5 for a 16- to 20-ounce serving.

A typical serving of bubble tea at a chain might cost $3 to $5 for a 16- to 20-ounce cup. Some specialty shops have menus with smaller sizes and prices as low as $2 to $3 per serving.

This is far higher than the cost of a similar amount of milk or juice, but the high price does not seem to deter people from making it their go-to beverage.

The price might seem high, but you have to consider everything that goes into making it, which includes:

• Tea that’s infused with milk or another liquid
• Artificial sweetener like stevia or sugar (more on this below)
• Syrups and flavorings
• Tapioca pearls
• Special straws designed to make the best bubbles possible

On the surface, bubble tea seems like a simple drink. It’s iced or hot black or green tea mixed with chewy tapioca balls that are often flavored. The appearance of the finished drink is what led to its name. Bubble tea got its name from the tapioca balls because when they’re added to the drink and shaken, the balls expand and pop, creating a popping sound—or “bubbling.”

The price for bubble tea depends on where you get it. Frustrated customers have to remember that the tapioca balls aren’t just an inexpensive filler; they’re an integral part of what makes bubble tea unique and fun. They are made from cassava starch, a common ingredient in Brazilian culture, and they take time, effort, and skill to make properly. Extruding the tapioca into these small balls is difficult work.

Businesses that sell bubble tea (including those that serve other drinks, such as coffee and smoothies) face a lot of competition since there are many places where customers can find the same drink.

How Much Is the Bubble Tea Industry Worth

The bubble tea industry is enormous and accounts for one of the fastest-growing food markets in the world today.

The industry shows no signs of slowing down, and in fact, appears to be growing exponentially with every passing year. As more and more countries discover the delicacy that is bubble tea, these figures are sure to continue growing.

6. The bubble tea industry was valued at $2.2 billion in 2019.

Almost overnight bubble tea shops popped up around the world in multiple countries that had never had an interest in it before.

After decades of slowly increasing in popularity, the big bubble tea boom happened in 2018.

Now, there are bubble tea shops everywhere, and many companies have started to offer other bubble tea treats in the form of desserts to expand the marketplace.

7. The bubble tea industry is expected to reach $3.39 billion by 2027.

With bubble tea’s sudden increase in popularity, it should be no surprise that the industry is only expected to keep growing.

In the next five years, the bubble tea industry is expected to grow by nearly 54%.

European countries are just starting to understand the bubble tea craze, and with new dessert products in the making, the only way for this industry to go is up.

Countries That Consume Bubble Tea

When we say that bubble tea is insanely popular, we’re not joking. Bubble tea is drunk by millions of people around the world every single day, even in countries that you might not expect!

8. Bubble tea can be found in over 30 countries.

Bubble tea can be found on every continent today, except for Antarctica, of course!

Of the 30 countries that enjoy bubble tea, most are in Asia.

You can find bubble tea in these countries if you’re traveling the world: Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, United States, Germany, Mauritius, South Africa, Brazil, and more!

9. In 2018, there were over 450,000 shops selling bubble tea in China.

Because of its proximity to Taiwan, where bubble tea was created, China quickly became a fan of the sweet beverage.

Introduced to China in the early 1990s, it quickly became one of the most popular drinks in the nation.

Today, bubble tea consumption in China surpasses that of coffee and many other traditional beverages.

10. Thailand leads in bubble tea consumption at an average of 6 cups per person per day.

Nearly everyone in Thailand enjoys drinking bubble tea, to the point that they have surpassed every other country in the amount that they drink!

Many Thai people drink bubble tea daily, and in many cases may drink multiple cups per day.

A popular version of bubble tea, known as Thai iced tea originated in Thailand in the 1800s, and when bubble tea was invented people began adding tapioca balls to it.

11. 87% of American millennials drink tea, including bubble tea.

Bubble tea shops, or Boba tea as it is frequently called in America, can be found in almost every major city across the country.

The drink became popular during the 1990s, just in time for millennials to develop a taste for it.

Today, millennials, zennials, and gen z account for the vast majority of the country’s bubble tea consumption.

How Bubble Tea is Made

Bubble tea is a sweet, delicious drink typically made from a tea base that is then mixed with either milk or fruit flavoring. Sometimes they are blended with ice to give them a more slushy-like consistency.

Chewy tapioca balls or different flavored jellies are then added to give bubble tea the fun, chewy texture that it is known for!

12. There are 250 different flavors of bubble tea.

Whether you’re feeling something sweet, fruity, and refreshing, something soothing and tea-like, or a slushy smoothie like-drink, bubble tea has you covered.

Virtually any flavor that you can imagine exists with bubble tea.

If you have an adventurous palette, we highly recommend trying as many different flavors as you can to find the one that will be your favorite!

13. There are six official “types” of bubble tea.

With 250 different flavors, it makes sense that there would be different bases to the teas.

But did you know that there are six different types of bubble tea?

The types include milk tea, black tea, fresh fruit tea, smoothies or milkshakes, fresh milk, and salted cream.

What’s your favorite bubble tea base to start with?

14. A 16 oz serving of bubble tea contains 38 grams of sugar, which is 76% of the recommended daily value.

Bubble tea is known for its sweet taste. It should be no surprise then that sugar is a primary ingredient in the drink. 

What may surprise you though is the amount of sugar!

With 38 grams per 16oz beverage, bubble tea should be enjoyed in moderation. We don’t recommend anyone making it a daily indulgence. For those looking to cut back on sugar, bubble tea may not be the best choice.

These drinks are made with milk tea and tapioca pearls (to make the bubbles), which contain a lot of natural sugar. It’s not just the sugar that gives these drinks their sweetness, though; many restaurants also add sweeteners to them. Additionally, they can be ordered with fruit or boba, both of which are high in added sugar.

15. Tapioca pearls are made from cassava flour, of which Nigeria is the world’s largest exporter (21%).

The chewy tapioca balls or pearls are undoubtedly the stars of any bubble tea drink.

Although the drink was originally created in Taiwan, its signature ingredient is primarily grown in Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brazil.

Cassava flour itself comes from the cassava root, which is native to South America but has become a staple food in many African nations. Nigeria, specifically, has become a hub for cassava production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Nigeria is the largest exporter of cassava at 21% of the world’s amount.

Bubble tea truly is an international drink!

16. Bubble tea is extremely high in calories.

An average, medium-sized serving of bubble tea has, on average, 335 calories.

That number increases when you go up in size to 469 calories and only gets worse as you add in more toppings or extra flavors.

At the end of the day, it’s not much worse than an occasional soda would be for the average person, but it’s important to remember to only have bubble tea once in a while.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to love about bubble tea.

For one, there are all of the sweet flavors and fun combinations of ingredients you can get.

But the most important thing to love is that it’s a beverage category that has grown by leaps and bounds over the past ten years or so, with seemingly no end in sight.

Thanks for sticking with me in this huge post. I hope you learned something from it, even if it was that you should lay off the bubble tea because really, you probably have had enough of that stuff by now.

If you’re looking for a sweet, refreshing drink that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality, bubble tea is the answer. And if you’re looking for all the facts and figures that back up our claim, you have this blog post.

Sources

1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bubble-tea-market
2. https://foodinstitute.com/focus/survey-millennials-gen-z-big-fans-of-bubble-tea/
3. https://youthinsight.com.au/brands/more-girls-aware-of-bubble-tea-than-boys/
4. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/taiwan-bubble-tea-origins/index.html
5. https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/8-things-you-might-not-know-about-bubble-tea-and-other-unexpected-holidays-this-week
6. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/bubble-tea-market-101564
7. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/bubble-tea-market-101564
8. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/bubble-tea.html
9. https://chinamarketadvisor.com/what-is-boba-and-why-is-it-so-popular/
10. https://theaseanpost.com/article/southeast-asias-bubble-tea-craze
11. https://www.worldteanews.com/Insights/millennials-and-gen-z-drive-21st-century-tea-preferences
12. https://www.bubbletea.com/
13. https://www.honestfoodtalks.com/bubble-tea-flavors-boba-toppings/
14. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/boba-cancer
15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava
16. https://mtalvernia.sg/education/whats-in-my-bubble-tea/