Aseer Time – widely known as Juice Time in Kuwait – has launched its first outlet in China, opening in the port city of Quanzhou. This marks a major step forward in its expansion across Asia’s rapidly growing beverage market.
The Quanzhou outlet is the company’s 501st global branch. The brand currently operates more than 500 stores across 23 countries. Upcoming store openings are confirmed for Australia, the Netherlands, and the 14th U.S. location in Los Angeles.
Quanzhou, a major port city in Fujian province, was selected based on both cultural symbolism and hard consumer data. The city has historical trade ties with the Arab world, reflecting Aseer Time’s Gulf heritage. At the same time, tier-2 and tier-3 Chinese cities like Quanzhou are experiencing double-digit annual growth in F&B spending since 2020, largely fueled by Gen Z and young professionals, according to the China Retail Research Institute.
Rather than compete head-to-head with established beverage giants in Shanghai or Beijing, Aseer Time has opted for a mid-tier urban strategy – entering a fast-growing but less saturated market, then scaling up based on proven consumer fit. This approach reflects the brand’s calculated and adaptive franchise Asia market entry strategy.
A GLOBAL FRANCHISE MODEL READY TO SCALE
Founded in 2011, Aseer Time has expanded using a decentralized franchising system. Roughly 70% of outlets are operated by local partners, according to official franchise documentation. This approach allows the brand to grow fast while maintaining product consistency and operational control.
Franchise partners receive a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Location selection and design guidance
- Staff recruitment and training
- Menu localization and seasonal innovation
- Marketing playbooks and launch kits
- Operational SOPs and quality control support
By mid-2025, Aseer Time had surpassed 500 operating outlets across the globe. The estimated master franchise investment starts at USD 1 million, which is on par with other premium F&B franchise brands in Asia-Pacific.
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES IN MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA
Malaysia: Café culture, Tech adoption, and Legal clarity
Malaysia continues to be a stronghold for international franchises. Over 45% of new franchise registrations are in the F&B sector, according to the Malaysian Franchise Association. The urbanization rate exceeds 78%, and cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru have thriving café cultures.
Consumer behavior is increasingly digital. GrabFood and Foodpanda dominate food delivery, especially among Gen Z and Millennials (source: Statista). Aseer Time’s colorful product lines and seasonal launches are perfectly tailored to social-first consumers.
Legal frameworks also support foreign franchises. The Franchise Act 1998 offers a transparent system for overseas brands to register and operate via master franchising.
Indonesia: Demographics, Distribution, and Digital growth
With over 275 million people and more than 50% under the age of 30, Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest F&B growth market. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office projects that Indonesia will be the top franchise economy by value by 2026 (asean.org).
Franchise growth isn’t limited to Jakarta. Tier-2 cities like Bandung, Surabaya, and Medan are also attracting international brands. Indonesia’s Government Regulation No. 42/2007 makes it easier for foreign brands to appoint master franchisees.
VF Franchise Consulting has supported brand entry in the market since 2019, helping investors navigate legal filings and franchisee recruitment.
BRAND AGILITY AND VIRAL MARKETING: A CRUCIAL DIFFERENTIATOR
Aseer Time’s success is rooted in speed and relevance. The brand capitalizes on consumer trends faster than legacy competitors. A perfect example is its Matcha Latte, launched in May 2025.
The company has a rapid innovation pipeline—rolling out Instagram-ready products in as little as 60 days. Combined with modular formats (mall kiosks, street fronts, compact cafés), this makes the concept highly scalable across franchise Asia markets.
In China, where competition is fierce, Aseer Time differentiates with its halal-certified identity, Gulf design cues, and dessert-forward approach. This positioning appeals to niche segments that brands like Mixue or HEYTEA may overlook.
Source: VF Franchise Consulting
