Crystal Boba Market Analysis

Global Crystal Boba Market Overview

Crystal Boba Market Size was valued at USD 54.25 million in 2023. The crystal boba industry is projected to grow from 57.25 million in 2024 to USD 94.50 million by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.47% during the forecast period (2024 - 2030). The rising popularity of bubble tea across the globe along with the growing preference for healthy beverages is driving the market growth.

Figure 1: Crystal Boba Market, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Crystal Boba Market Trends

• The rising popularity of bubble tea across the globe

Bubble tea also known as boba tea is a beverage of Taiwanese origin. The tea is made using chilled milk, boba, sugar, and other flavoring syrups. Owing to its superior texture, and taste and as an alternative to traditional beverages, bubble tea has become popular through various social media influencers. This has driven the Gen Z population towards bubble tea consumption globally. For instance, in 2021, in China, the sales of bubble tea reached a value of USD 20 billion. This is also marked by the growth in the number of milk tea stores across the country. Though the nation is native and common to Asian countries, it has been gaining popularity in other western countries as well. One of the key attributes of this is the growing consumption of social media and foreign country entertainment including music videos, web series, films, etc. which drives people in exploring overseas culture. For instance, this has led to the adoption of K-pop and various other Asian cultures which is boosting the awareness and popularity of food and beverage products including bubble tea in new markets. In addition, the product’s ability to customize according to the user’s requirement is boosting the usability of the bubble tea. Thus, the rising popularity of bubble tea across the globe is expected to augment the demand for crystal boba during the forecast period.

Crystal Boba Market Segment Insights

Flavor Insights

Based on crystal boba type, the Crystal Boba Market segmentation includes citrus flavor, brown sugar, nutty vanilla, and others. The citrus flavor segment held the majority share in 2021 contributing to around a market value of USD 39.87 USD million of Crystal Boba Market revenue. As crystal boba is manufactured using the konjac plant which inherently gives a mild citrus flavor to it. The citrus flavor of the crystal boba comprises various citrus fruits including lemon, lime, orange, grapefruits, etc. Citrus flavors, in general, are well-liked by millennials, Gen Z, and even the older generation owing to their balanced taste profile that has a combination of both sweetness and acidity properties. Also, the citrus-flavored crystal boba helps in achieving several colors that help in achieving various end appearances of the final drink. The citrus flavor segment is expected to grow at a market CAGR of 6.30%.  

Figure 2: Crystal Boba Market, by Flavor, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Crystal Boba Application Insights

Based on Application, the Crystal Boba Market segmentation includes tea, smoothies, and others. The Smoothies segment held the majority share in 2021 contributing to around ~60-70% of the Crystal Boba Market revenue. This is primarily due to its origin of use in tea to make bubble tea.  In addition, its ability to pair well with milk makes it a popular choice in the use of tea, and the different flavors help in creating more tea varieties catering to the different needs of the consumer. Moreover, the status of tea in general as a wellness and lifestyle drink and consumers’ preference for innovative varieties of tea including bubble tea are accounting for the crystal boba usage in tea drinks. The growing social media content related to bubble tea and crystal boba is expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period. The Tea segment is expected to grow at a market CAGR of 6.27%. 

Crystal Boba Distribution Channel Insights

Based on material, the global Crystal Boba industry market data has been segmented into supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others. Supermarkets & hypermarkets is the leading segment in 2021. The increasing interest in consuming different flavors and different brands contributes to increasing footfall in the supermarket & hypermarket segment which provides a wide assortment of crystal boba flavors. Also, the availability of various SKUs in supermarkets & hypermarkets helps in driving more consumers' purchase of the product. Though, the local-supermarket brands, spurious and counterfeit products are relatively available at lesser prices hinders the sales of branded crystal boba products. The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecasted period.

Crystal Boba Regional Insights

By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia-Pacific crystal boba market accounts for the largest market share of USD 21.16 million in 2021. This is due to the origin of boba in Taiwan and has helped in introducing bubble tea or boba tea in the 1980s which further led to its consumption and popularity in various other similar cultures in countries like Indonesia crystal boba market, the Philippines crystal boba market, Thailand crystal boba market, Vietnam crystal boba market, Singapore crystal boba market, etc. The China crystal boba market is one of the largest manufacturers, exporters, and consumers of crystal boba. The key reason contributing to its market share is the incorporation of boba into Chinese food culture. Crystal boba, a kind of boba made from the konjac plant is serving as an alternative option to the traditional tapioca pearls. Also, the increasing urbanization and shifting consumer preference towards healthy beverage choices are driving the growth of crystal boba in the region. Japan crystal boba market is the second largest market in the Asia-Pacific region which is expected to grow further owing to the popularity of bubble tea in the country and increasing internet usage. For instance, according to the datareportal website, the country has an internet penetration of 94% and has been showing an increasing trend over the years. The increasing content on the boba-based product by social media influencers is expected to drive the growth of the market in the region.

The major countries studied are the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain,  China, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand,  and Brazil.

Figure 3: CRYSTAL BOBA MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

The North America crystal boba market is the fastest-growing market during the forecast period and the second-largest region in 2021. The music video released by Fung Brother in 2013 in the region which revolves around the boba product has made it popular among the young population in schools and colleges in the US crystal boba market and Canada crystal boba market. Also, the consumption of boba tea is quite common among the Asian-American population as it serves as a window to connect with their native food culture. This also influences the American youth's preference for boba-based beverages. According to the US Census 2020, the Asian race is the fastest-growing ethnic group and has recorded a growth rate of 203.03% in 2020 compared to 1990 levels. They currently account for a US population percentage of 7.20% in 2020. Thus, the increasing population of Asian Americans in the region is one of the key reasons for the use of crystal boba as a topping in various beverage products. 

The Europe crystal boba market comprises the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the rest of Europe. According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association’s Tea Census Report, the UK crystal boba market is one of the major tea consumers, and on average per day tea consumption of the country stands at 100 million cups.  In addition, the country imports around 100,000 metric tons of tea annually as there is high demand for the product in the country. Tea is considered an integral part of their daily consumption and most of the population seeks tea as a choice for emotional support according to the report. Also, the consumption of tea is expected to increase in the upcoming years which is expected to create opportunities for the crystal boba players during the forecast period in the region.

Crystal Boba Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Crystal Boba market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships with local manufacturers in key markets, increased investments, and marketing initiatives to strengthen their presence. Competitors in the Crystal Boba industry must offer innovative products that are trending to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the global crystal boba industry to benefit clients and expand the crystal boba market sector is to innovate new crystal boba in line with the increasing demand for high-end & luxury crystal boba and preference for smart features in crystal boba sets trends. Also, the companies are working on strengthening their omnichannel presence in key growth regions.

Fokus Inc. (Taiwan) is a manufacturer and exporter of raw materials used in boba tea manufacturing including tapioca boba, crystal boba, tea leaves, tea powders, etc. The company started its business as a tea equipment manufacturer and later integrated its business vertically. The company in addition to tea-related services and products also provides online courses on bubble tea. The product portfolio of the company comprises original crystal boba, mango crystal boba,  lychee crystal boba, green apple crystal boba, brown sugar crystal boba, and strawberry crystal boba.

Leadway International, Inc. is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of crystal boba, bubble tea, snow ice powders, and other toppings including canned toppings, mini mochi, jellies, etc. under the brand name Bossen. The company was started in 2011 by Haber Tu and Edward Shen and has a well-distributed network across the USA. The company is also part of the Boba Academy, an institution that provides practical training and courses on bubble tea.

Key Companies in the Crystal Boba Market include

• Fokus Inc


• Leadway International Inc


• Bubbly Boba Co


• Fanale Drinks


• Brexonic


• Lemaxx International Co. Ltd.

Crystal Boba Industry Developments

November 2019: Leadway International, Inc. has launched two new flavored crystal boba products namely the Taro flavor and Cherry Blossom flavorunder its Bossen brand name. Taro flavor has a purple sheen appearance which has a nutty vanilla flavor and can be used as a topping for ice drinks, yogurts, etc. Cherry Blossom is a pink-colored crystal boba flavor that is made using cherry.  

Crystal Boba Market Segmentation

Crystal Boba Flavor Outlook

• Citrus Flavor


• Brown Sugar


• Nutty Vanilla


• Others

Crystal Boba Application Outlook

• Tea


• Smoothies


• Others

Crystal Boba Distribution Channel Outlook

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets


• Convenience Stores


• Specialty Stores


• Online


• Others

Crystal Boba Regional Outlook

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  North America

  
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• 
  

  Europe

  
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


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  Asia-Pacific

  
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia  and New Zealand
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


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  Rest of the World

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    Middle East

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Africa

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Latin America