The Food Away From Home Association is expanding into new, related verticals, having originally launched over 10 years ago with a focus on yogurt shops. As part of this growth, the association is introducing a dedicated Boba Tea Shops program, designed to serve franchisors, franchisees, chains, independent operators, distributors, and industry partners. This specialized initiative aims to provide tailored resources, industry insights, and collaborative opportunities to support the evolving smoothie market.
Founded by the combined efforts of the International Frozen Yogurt founders and Conzumables-pioneers in grab-and-go programs and key suppliers across multiple foodservice formats, including Boba Tea Shops-the Food Away From Home Association brings deep industry expertise. The team operates from Pasadena, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Dallas, TX; Lincoln, NE; and Raleigh, NC, strategically positioning itself to support members nationwide.
As of 2024, the U.S. Boba Tea Market is valued at approximately $953.36 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030, potentially reaching $1.74 billion by 2030. The number of Boba Tea Shops in the U.S. has seen significant growth, with 6,635 businesses reported in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 24.1% between 2019 and 2024. This expansion is driven by the beverage's increasing popularity among younger demographics and its widespread appeal across diverse communities.
BOBA TEA SHOPS ARE POPPING UP EVERYWHERE IN AMERICA. THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 8,000 IN AMERICA WITH MORE COMING EVERYDAY www.BobaTeaShops.com
The Food Away From Home Association will be launching its membership drive soon! As part of our initiative, we are first engaging with key stakeholders in the industry, including smoothie shop, boba tea shop, juice shop, and yogurt shop operators, franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, distributors, and other essential partners. Our goal is to build a strong network that supports and advances businesses in the food away from home sector. We welcome discussions at the trade shows we visit to share insights about our program planning details and how membership can provide valuable resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
We created the Food Away From Home Association to represent all food service and related formats, suppliers, brokers and others (ex Smoothie Shops)
We started with a sub-association for yogurt shops (12-years ago) and are expanding into ones for juice, smoothie and boba tea shops
With our Contract Manufacturing Alliance, we will avail food development resources (including to start-up and emerging brands nationwide)
The Food Away From Home Association is available to mentor food service entrepreneurs with their new creations (restaurants, home delivery and more)
Future expansions will include operators and suppliers to restaurants, diners and QSRs
Future expansions will include operators and suppliers to restaurants, diners and QSRs
We will have a special emphasis on the tasting rooms and other parts of a winery, craft brewery, olive farm and craft distillery
Look for future programming for zoos, aquariums, water parks, theme parks, family fun centers and other entertainment formats
We will have a special emphasis on cafeteria operations (self-managed or through a provider) for offices, colleges and universities, hospitals, factories, government and more
Look for future programming for airports, airlines, cruise lines, tourist sites, train and subway stations and other travel formats
With our Contract Manufacturing Alliance, we will avail food development resources (including to start-up and emerging brands nationwide)
With our Contract Manufacturing Alliance, we will avail food development resources (including to start-up and emerging brands nationwide)
With our Contract Manufacturing Alliance, we will avail food development resources (including to start-up and emerging brands nationwide)
With our Contract Manufacturing Alliance, we will avail food development resources (including to start-up and emerging brands nationwide)
FOOD SERVICE FORMATS: The Food Away From Home Association's founders have been involved in the food service industry (as suppliers, partners, and media) for many years. Our new membership will include operators and franchisors as well as others such as food service providers, chains, distributors, associations, and more. We are also expanding into healthy option ideas and introductions for their customers (smoothie, juice, and yogurt).
The current boba tea consumer is largely made up of younger generations—Gen Z and Millennials—who are drawn to the drink’s customizable flavors, unique textures, and social media-friendly aesthetic. Often seen as both a beverage and an experience, boba tea fits seamlessly into youth culture, wellness trends, and the demand for personalized products. However, the appeal of boba is rapidly expanding beyond its original fanbase. Families, older adults, and diverse cultural groups are increasingly exploring boba tea as it becomes more widely available in suburban areas, food halls, and even major grocery chains. With new flavor profiles, lower-sugar options, and innovations like oat milk or herbal infusions, boba tea is evolving to meet a broader range of tastes and dietary preferences—transforming from a niche trend into a mainstream, multicultural favorite.
