German soft drinks supplier Zeekei is set to bring the bubble tea trend to British retailers.

It is seeking UK distributors for its Coobo bottled bubble tea - a mango, lemon and green tea drink containing solid balls made from ingredients including fructose syrup, apple juice and modified starch.

Launched in Europe last summer, the product is inspired by a trend that started in Taiwan in the 80s. Bubble teas traditionally contain 10mm balls made from tapioca, but Coobo balls were 5mm in size to avoid the “tiny, but important” risk of choking, said Zeekei.

UK interest in bubble tea has prompted a number of dedicated cafés to open in cities across the country.

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