A Bubble Tea Brand Making Sustainable Waves
Not many would imagine a bubble tea company shaking up the sustainability scene, but Empire Eagle Food Co. has done just that. Right from a rice field in Chishang, Taitung, once as silent as a whisper, four remarkable species made a comeback, and so did hope. The crested serpent eagle and pangolin alongside other wildlife became unintended yet well-deserved ambassadors for this Taiwanese brand at the SIAL For Change 2026 in Paris.
The Surprising Sustainability Finalist
Empire Eagle is mixing things up in the bubble tea realm, and I'm not talking about adding pearls. As the only representative from Taiwan's bubble tea industry among 20 global finalists — from a crowd of 226 entries — this is hardly just a marketing exercise. SIAL For Change, a new sustainability award, is more about where those ingredients come from, rather than how good they taste. We're looking at a shift that's worth a second glance.
A New Template for the Industry
The bubble tea industry, which is worth billions and is growing at a brisk 8% annually, often draws flak for its environmental impact. The push for eco-friendliness can't just gloss over the product; it demands a deep-rooted change in the supply chain. Here we have Empire Eagle sourcing organic black rice from a local enterprise in Chishang, making it a real contender among sustainability-minded peers. They're not just talking the walk; they're walking it across 50 hectares with a 10% income boost for 10 farming families.
Species Return Under Eco-Friendly Practices
Solidifying their credibility, the company’s approach has encouraged the return of the crested serpent eagle, Formosan serow, Swinhoe's frog, and the pangolin to the area. This isn't a token gesture — it's a whole new frontier for ecology intertwined with business. As they say, nature finds a way, and in this case, it found its way through organic black rice.
“Bubble tea is not just a sweet, trendy drink,” Empire Eagle's Brand Marketing Director Mindy Jen said, highlighting their aim to prove supply chains can enrich rather than exploit.
The Bigger Picture
Empire Eagle isn't stopping at the local level. With a flagship product that spreads across 40+ countries, the Black GABA Rice Matcha Amazake isn’t just award-winning for its taste. The real achievement lies in its zero additives and commendable certifications—FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, and HALAL, plus a Dun & Bradstreet ESG rating. Talk about dotting every 'I' in sustainability.
Building Blocks of Lasting Impact
Empire Eagle Food Company, founded in 2002, just might be rewriting the book on what it means to be in the bubble tea business. Serving over 200 partners worldwide, their grip on the industry speaks volumes and is an inspirational note for competitors.
The word's out there; companies weaving sustainability into their DNA rather than slapping it onto a product label are rare. But in rare honesty and fewer steps, Empire Eagle showcases what’s possible when a brand sets the plot beyond immediate profits towards ecological revival—proving itself a force on the Paris stage worth keeping an eye on.
