Insider Spotlight
Through its subsidiary Fresh N’ Famous Foods Inc., the group signed a master franchise agreement to introduce the brand locally — a move that positions Jollibee to directly compete in one of the most crowded and price-sensitive segments of the food and beverage industry.
Why this matters
The local coffee landscape has evolved into a battleground of brands racing to scale through compact stores, efficient operations, and aggressive pricing.
Compose Coffee enters with a playbook built for exactly that environment.
Founded in 2014, the South Korean chain has grown to more than 3,000 stores, backed by a highly efficient and scalable operating model. Its core menu of Americanos and flavored lattes caters to everyday coffee drinkers, while Korean-inspired offerings keep the lineup differentiated.
In its home market, Compose Coffee is recognized as the No. 1 coffee brand in customer satisfaction — a credential that could resonate strongly with Filipino consumers increasingly seeking quality at accessible price points.
Built for scale
According to a company statement, a core pillar of Compose Coffee is its advanced smart roasting system, enabling precise control from bean selection to roasting profiles and flavor consistency across its network.
That operational discipline, combined with strong branding — including a high-profile partnership with V of BTS — has helped the brand build both mass appeal and cultural relevance in South Korea.
Such attributes could prove decisive in the Philippines, where competition hinges not just on price but on consistency, brand pull, and the ability to expand quickly without compromising quality.
What they’re saying
Jollibee Group Philippines chief executive officer Joseph Tanbuntiong said: “We are extremely excited to introduce Compose Coffee to the Philippines this 2026, aligned with its mission of making high-quality coffee more accessible to consumers.”
“This planned launch strengthens one of our key strategic growth pillars—the coffee and tea segment—and positions the Jollibee Group to play a more meaningful role in our customers’ daily routines. We look forward to bringing more moments of joy to Filipinos through innovative, world-class beverage experiences.”
Richard Shin, chief financial and risk officer and CEO of Jollibee Group International, added: “Compose Coffee’s entry into the Philippines reflects the Jollibee Group’s commitment to scaling brands with strong global potential. In every market where it operates, we’ve seen a disciplined operating model and deep focus on product quality that creates a repeatable formula for growth.”
“We’re excited to bring that momentum to the Philippines and introduce more consumers to a brand that delivers both excellence and accessibility in every cup.”
The bottom line
Compose Coffee is expected to complement Jollibee Group Philippines’ portfolio — but its arrival also signals a sharper, more intense phase of competition in the country’s value-driven coffee wars. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
