Insider Spotlight
Located along Hulhumalé’s scenic Central Park beachfront, the café can accommodate 35 guests and offers the brand’s signature Ice Blended® drinks, specialty coffees, premium teas, and freshly made meals.
Why it matters
The launch underscores CBTL’s continued push to strengthen its global footprint, now with over 1,200 stores across more than 20 countries. The Maldives debut further anchors its role in Jollibee Foods Corp.’s strategy to grow its portfolio of specialty coffee and tea brands worldwide.
What they’re saying
“We value our collaboration with Waterscape Investments, whose deep understanding of the local market and commitment to excellence mirrors our own values," Pepot Miñana, CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, said in a press release on Oct. 22, 2025.
"This is a significant milestone for us, and we are confident that together, we will create a unique and welcoming space where the people of the Maldives can enjoy our handcrafted beverages and experience the authentic flavors we've perfected over decades.”
Miñana added, “The Maldives is a world-renowned destination, and we are excited to bring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf experience to its shores. This opening is part of our vision in CBTL to become one of the top specialty coffee and tea chains in the world.”
Between the lines
CBTL continues to highlight its commitment to quality and sustainability, sourcing the top 1 percent of Arabica beans and partnering with family-run tea estates across Asia.
Its Maldives opening reflects the Jollibee Group’s broader push to enhance its global café presence while delivering “joy through superior taste” across markets. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
