Yi Fang’s image and business suffered when it drew criticism for siding with Beijing

Taiwan News
Date: 2019/12/04
By: Huang Tzu-ti, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Controversial Taiwan tea franchise Yi Fang Fruit Tea (一芳水果茶) opened its first branch in Thailand on Tuesday (Dec. 3), as it strives to stage a comeback in the Southeast Asian country following losses in its home market.

The store, in the Bangkok shopping mall of Samyan Mitrtown, has been well-received since starting a trial run in October, reported UDN. The company plans to open 14 stores in Thailand, with the next one slated for December.

In August, Yi Fang waded into political hot water by publicly supporting Beijing’s “one country, two systems” mechanism and denouncing labor strikes in Hong Kong, as pro-democracy protests took hold. The statement triggered a backlash and boycott, which sent sales plunging.

Kei Tzu-kai (柯梓凱), founder of the tea franchise, made a plea for forgiveness last month in a statement seeking to win back the hearts of consumers. More than 30 Yi Fang shops in Taiwan have ceased operations in the aftermath of the incident as a result of lackluster business.
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