TeaJoy named London Startup of the Year

TeaJoy, the London-based bubble tea brand, has been named London Startup of the Year. The title was awarded within the Food & Drink category at the UK StartUp Awards 2025, held recently at Vue Cinema London West End.

Co-founded by entrepreneur duo Ning Ma and Jack Gaskin, TeaJoy was recognised for its bold innovation, rapid growth and joyful approach to bringing ready-to-drink bubble tea to the UK market. Inspired by Ma's passion for bubble tea and a desire to make it more accessible, the win celebrates TeaJoy’s journey from its beginnings in the kitchen of MamaLan restaurant during lockdown to becoming a fast-growing retail brand set to launch its first range of canned bubble teas in August 2025. 

Incredibly proud
“We’re incredibly proud and grateful to receive this recognition,” said Ma. “This award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that’s been part of TeaJoy since day one. What started as a dream is now a reality, a bubble tea brand designed to bring more joy to everyday moments with every pop, sip, and smile.”

TeaJoy currently supplies over 500 foodservice and hospitality partners across the UK, from independents to national chains, offering easy-to-serve commercial kits without the need for specialist equipment. Its upcoming canned drinks aim to expand reach further, bringing bubble tea into the hands of everyday consumers via retail and ecommerce channels.

Bubble tea is one of the fastest-growing drinks categories, driven by Gen Z consumers, with the global market projected to surpass $4.2bn by 2028.

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