By Catherine N. Pillas
AT least 50 international brands will be seeking local partners at the 2015 edition of the Philippine Franchise Asia (PFA)-organized Franchise Asia Philippines (FAPHL) exposition and conference.
According to the country’s official franchising industry group, brands from the US, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia will be exhibiting at the FAPHL next week, in a bid to find master franchisees in the Philippines.
The foreign exhibitors include: Just Cuts, 9 Round Fitness, Bennigan’s, Buca di Beppo, Earl of Sandwich, Fast Signs, Jani-Pro, Joe’s Crab Shack, Jump Bunch, Millenium Dance, Park Lane Jewelry, Renue, Snap Fitness,Zambrero, Glides, Pezzo, Bizlink and Tino’s Pizza.
Aside from the 50 international exhibitors, over 400 local brands will also also seek potential partners for their expansion plans via the franchising route at the week-long franchising event at the SMX Convention Center.
PFA Chairman Emeritus Samie Lim said such interest from foreign brands signal the country’s potential as a major growth area for franchising in the region.
The industry is slated to grow 20 percent to 30 percent in the next two years in terms of number of franchises, especially with the 2016 election seen to bolster spending.
Several local brands, meanwhile, are also on the cusp of growth as it was announced that BlueWater Day Spa, Oryspa, Karimadon and Broadway Gems will go international this year.
Other brands, on the other hand, are on the expansion path. Vicente Gregorio, COO of International Food Family Services that owns the Shakey’s brand, said they will be expanding to Oceania and the Middle East.
There are 260 shakey’s stores worldwide, 70 percent of them is located in the Philippines
Potato Corner, owned by Jose P. Magsaysay Jr., also the FAPHL Expo Committee chairman, is also looking to expand this year to Mexico, China, Thailand and Singapore.
The brand already has 550 stores, 90 of them are located abroad. Ten more are scheduled to open in international sites this year, while 60 are planned for the Philippines.
The FAPHL will run from June 10 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes