Thailand’s fast-growing premium gelato brand Blendies has officially entered the international market with the opening of its first overseas store at K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s regional expansion strategy. The launch positions Hong Kong as Blendies’ gateway for broader growth across Asia.
The Hong Kong outlet is Blendies’ first location outside Thailand since the brand was founded in 2023 by renowned Thai chef Thanachot Thammapeera, popularly known as Chef Bam. The company said the move reflects its ambition to build a stronger regional presence while introducing its premium French-inspired gelato to international consumers.
To celebrate its Hong Kong debut, Blendies has unveiled a Hong Kong-exclusive Napoleon Egg Tart gelato, developed specifically for the local market. The limited-edition flavour joins the brand’s best-selling offerings, including its signature Pistachio and Macadamia gelatos, both known for their rich texture and premium ingredients sourced from France.
Announcing the launch, Arnold Lau, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), said the opening highlights Hong Kong’s role as a launchpad for regional consumer brands. “Blendies’ choice of its first overseas store here underscores Hong Kong’s status as the ultimate launch pad for regional homegrown brands to internationalise. The city’s cosmopolitan palate and love for culinary innovation make it the perfect home for Blendies’ bold, Thai-inspired gelato. Launching an exclusive Napoleon egg tart flavour is a fabulous way to say hello to Hong Kong,” Lau said.
Explaining the expansion strategy, Chef Bam said Hong Kong was selected because of its sophisticated food and beverage market and its importance as a regional business hub. “We expanded into Hong Kong because it is one of Asia’s leading food and beverage markets, with a strong café culture, a large international customer base, and high demand for innovative concepts. Hong Kong also serves as a strategic hub for brand visibility and a vital platform for future expansion into other Asian markets. Establishing a presence here strengthens our regional footprint while serving both local customers and international visitors,” he said.
Founded in Bangkok in 2023, Blendies built its reputation around Chef Bam’s pursuit of creating exceptionally smooth gelato free from ice crystals using premium French ingredients. The brand has quickly expanded to seven locations across Thailand, including high-profile destinations such as Siam Square One, One Bangkok, and ICONSIAM, gaining popularity for its artisanal flavours and premium presentation.
International Growth Signals Broader Expansion Ambitions
The Hong Kong opening represents Blendies’ first step toward becoming a regional dessert brand. By choosing one of Asia’s most competitive food-service markets for its international debut, the company is testing its premium positioning among both local consumers and international visitors before pursuing additional overseas markets.
The launch also reflects Hong Kong’s continued appeal as an expansion destination for emerging Asian food and beverage brands seeking international exposure, supported by InvestHK’s efforts to attract overseas consumer businesses.
