Several international beverage brands are tapping into the Malaysian market, taking advantage of the growing number of upscale urban shopping centers. Notable entrants, including Café Kitsuné, Heytea, Reborn Coffee, and Cotti Coffee, consider Malaysia as a strategic hub for expanding across the region.
Kuala Lumpur, particularly the recently opened Exchange TRX shopping mall, is a prime location for these emerging coffee brands. The mall, with nearly 500 retail units, hosts renowned names like Zus Coffee, % Arabica, Starbucks Reserve, and Eight Ounce Coffee. Japan’s Café Kitsuné, China’s Heytea, and US-based Reborn Coffee have specifically chosen TRX Exchange for their initial ventures in Malaysia.
As part of its expansion in East Asia, Cotti Coffee, a Chinese-owned coffee chain, has also extended its presence in Johor state, in the southern region of Malaysia. Data from the World Coffee Portal indicates significant growth in the Malaysian branded coffee shop market in 2022, with over 660 new outlets, a 28% increase, surpassing 3,300 stores. The forecast for 2028 anticipates further growth, projecting the market to reach 6,100 stores, with coffee-focused chains playing a significant role in driving this expansion.
(Sources: World Coffee Portal; Verdict Food Service)
