Garden Centre Catering reports TeaJoy's startup of the year win

Garden Centre Catering reports TeaJoy's startup of the year win

Garden Centre Catering reported on 10 July 2025 that TeaJoy had won London Startup of the Year in the Food & Drink category at the UK StartUp Awards 2025, presented at Vue Cinema in London's West End. The piece covers the brand's growth from a Brixton restaurant kitchen to a supplier for more than 800 UK outlets, ranging from independent operators to major national chains, with canned bubble tea due that August. It names founder Ning Ma and notes the commercial offering needs no specialist equipment.

The article described TeaJoy as recognised for its bold innovation, rapid growth and joyful approach to bringing ready-to-drink bubble tea to the UK market, and set the win against a bubble tea category it called one of the fastest-growing beverage segments, particularly among Gen Z consumers, with the global market projected to exceed $4.2 billion by 2028. Founder Ning Ma said the win "celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that's been part of TeaJoy since Day One." Garden Centre Catering covers the food and drink side of the UK garden centre trade, putting TeaJoy's canned launch in front of catering buyers in that sector. Read the piece on Garden Centre Catering. See where to find us on our where to buy page.

What the award recognised

The London Startup of the Year award sits within the UK StartUp Awards, which celebrate the country's most exciting new businesses. The Food & Drink category recognises founders who have built something genuinely new in a competitive market. TeaJoy was chosen for combining product innovation with rapid commercial growth - from a single kitchen to hundreds of locations in just a few years.

Why garden centre catering buyers took notice

Garden centre catering has become a significant food and drink channel in the UK. Visitors increasingly expect more than tea and cake - they want interesting, on-trend drinks that feel premium but don't slow down service. TeaJoy's canned bubble tea fits that brief: no equipment, no training, no mess. Just stock, chill, and serve.

Where TeaJoy is going next

Since the win, TeaJoy has continued to expand its ready-to-drink range. With flavours including Peach & Mango and Passionfruit & Strawberry, the cans are low in sugar, vegan, and made with real fruit juice. The brand now sells online, on Amazon, and through retailers and hospitality partners across the UK.

About TeaJoy

TeaJoy was founded by Ning Ma, a former restaurateur who was frustrated by the complex, time-consuming process of serving bubble tea. She developed her own recipes to make it simple, consistent, and joyful. Today, TeaJoy has sold over 2.5 million drinks and is served in more than 800 UK locations.