TeaJoy, a new bubble tea brand, has been named London Startup of the Year in the Food and Drink category at the UK StartUp Awards 2025.
TeaJoy joy: Ning Ma and Jack Gaskin were named London’s food and drink start-up of the year
Co-founded by Croydon-based entrepreneur duo Ning Ma and Jack Gaskin, the judges said that TeaJoy “stood out for its bold innovation, rapid growth, and joyful approach to bringing ready-to-drink bubble tea to the UK market”.
TeaJoy began in the kitchen of MamaLan restaurant in Brixton during lockdown and is now a fast-growing brand which is set to launch a range of canned bubble teas next month.
“We’re incredibly proud and grateful to receive this recognition,” said Ning after accepting the award at a ceremony held in the West End.
“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.”
The rapidly growing bubble tea market, driven by Gen Z consumers, has a global market projected to surpass £2billion by 2028.
TeaJoy supplies more than 500 outlets across the country, from independents to national chains, offering easy-to-serve commercial kits without the need for specialist equipment. The canned drinks aims to expand the brand’s reach even further, bringing bubble tea into the hands of everyday consumers.
All TeaJoy products are made with real fruit juice and premium tea. The boba contains no artificial colours, the instant tapioca is exclusive to the brand, and all drinks are vegan and allergen-free.
The UK StartUp Awards, created by the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and Fast Growth 50 Index, celebrate the most promising early-stage businesses across the country. With more than 35 categories and entries spanning 10 regions, the awards offer national recognition, industry exposure, and valuable connections for the next generation of business leaders.
TeaJoy’s win places them among the top startups in the country, with all regional winners now advancing to compete at the national final later this year.
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