Malaysian lifestyle tea brand Tealive has officially entered the Indian market through a master franchise agreement with Devyani International Limited (DIL), India’s leading quick service restaurant (QSR) operator.
This move marks Tealive’s latest international expansion following its entry into the United Arab Emirates in October 2024. With a strong presence across Southeast Asia, Mauritius, Canada, and the Middle East, Tealive is now set to introduce its innovative beverage culture to India’s vast and tea-loving population.
DIL, the country’s largest franchisee for Yum! Brands, operates KFC and Pizza Hut outlets and is also the exclusive franchisee for Costa Coffee in India. The company manages over 2,000 stores across India, Thailand, Nigeria, and Nepal, including its homegrown brands such as Vaango and The Food Street.
Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, the parent company of Tealive, believes the partnership with DIL will accelerate the brand’s expansion in India.
“Together with our partner, Tealive will bring our innovative lifestyle tea culture to the land of chai. Our partner knows the local market well, and we’re planning a significant presence in India, beginning with outlets in major cities this year,” said Bryan Loo, founder and chief executive officer of Loob Holding.
India’s young and rapidly evolving consumer base presents a huge growth opportunity for Tealive, which aims to differentiate itself with a diverse menu that caters to changing tastes. While India’s tea scene is dominated by traditional offerings, Tealive hopes to attract new consumers with its contemporary approach.
“Partnering with a strong local operator like DIL gives us the ability to adapt and thrive in India while also extending the Tealive lifestyle to millions of new consumers,” Loo added.
DIL’s non-executive chairman, Ravi Jaipuria, welcomed the partnership, highlighting Tealive’s potential in India’s dynamic tea market. “We are delighted to introduce Tealive, a strong Asian brand, into India, known to have a rich tradition of chai culture. Tealive’s diverse lifestyle tea offerings perfectly align with India’s young and evolving consumers, who are increasingly drawn towards newer categories. Together, we are set to redefine and transform the tea experience in the vibrant Indian market.”
Tealive’s expansion strategy focuses on starting small and scaling up rapidly under the right market conditions. “With our partners’ local knowledge, industry experience, and extensive reach, we are well-positioned to rapidly expand and promote our unique lifestyle tea culture across India,” Loo said.
As Tealive makes its foray into India, the brand continues reinforcing its status as a leading regional beverage player, bringing its modern take on tea to new audiences worldwide. 
