Cheers to Innovation: Hult Highlights CIA Bootleg Manila’s Serenitea Success Story

In an exciting moment of recognition, Hult International Business School—ranked among the top ten MBA programs in the USA—has featured the groundbreaking collaboration between CIA Bootleg Manila and beloved milk tea brand Serenitea Philippines. This spotlight is more than an accolade; it’s a testament to how deep consumer insights and creative strategy can transform a local brand into a national phenomenon.
A Meeting of Minds: Academia and Creative Strategy
The feature, penned by Matt Johnson, PhD, a renowned author and member of the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2023, dives into the sophisticated approach CIA Bootleg Manila applied in their engagement with Serenitea. As a prominent voice in the world of consumer psychology Philippines, Dr. Johnson explored how Bootleg’s multidisciplinary team tapped into the emotional drivers that shape brand affinity and consumer behavior.



Unlocking the Emotional Recipe of Milk Tea
At the heart of Bootleg’s work with Serenitea was a nuanced understanding of how sensory experiences translate into brand loyalty. Their research uncovered the psychological significance behind three key components of the milk tea experience:
- The comforting allure of milk – Milk represents warmth, safety, and emotional reassurance. It’s an anchor of comfort that resonates deeply, particularly in the context of daily stress relief.
- The wholesome goodness of tea – Tea conveys purity, health, and tradition. It positions the brand as a choice rooted in natural, beneficial qualities, reinforcing consumer trust.
- The indulgent appeal of milk tea – Combining milk’s creaminess and tea’s earthy tones creates an indulgent, almost luxurious experience. This appeals to consumers seeking moments of affordable self-care and delight.


By weaving these emotional threads into Serenitea’s brand DNA, CIA Bootleg Manila crafted a positioning strategy that goes far beyond taste, aiming to forge deeper consumer connections. It’s a perfect example of how brand consultancy Philippines can transform market perceptions and elevate local brands to new heights.
Bridging Brand Strategy and Consumer Psychology
This case illustrates how powerful insights from consumer psychology Philippines can shape a brand narrative that not only satisfies but also delights and nurtures the spirit of consumers. CIA Bootleg Manila’s creative strategists, psychologists, and researchers worked collaboratively to:
- Decode consumer motivations behind milk tea consumption
- Understand emotional triggers that influence brand loyalty
- Design messaging and brand experiences that resonate authentically
Their approach demonstrates how brands like Serenitea can remain competitive amid intense industry growth and shifting consumer expectations.

Hult’s Global Recognition: A Moment of Pride
For CIA Bootleg Manila, being featured by an institution like Hult International Business School underscores the global relevance of their innovative methods. It also places a spotlight on the creative talent and strategic thinking flourishing within the brand strategy Philippines landscape.
Such recognition not only validates Bootleg’s efforts but also showcases how Filipino brands can thrive on the global stage by combining local cultural insights with world-class strategic thinking.
Discover the Serenitea Case Study
Want to dive deeper into this fascinating story of branding case study Philippines success? Explore the full case study and discover how CIA Bootleg Manila helped Serenitea future-proof a homegrown brand while preserving the authentic warmth and delight that fans love: