Some 1,000 brands, both foreign and local, are participating in the upcoming Franchise Asia Philippines (FAPHL) 2023, the world's largest franchise show, the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) announced. 

PFA President Chris Lim said at the FAPHL Expo 2023 Press Conference on Monday, Oct. 2 at Crowne Plaza Galleria, Ortigas that 350 companies will be representing 1,000 brands the three-day expo from Oct. 27-29 at the SMX Convention Center-Manila.

Of total franchise exhibitors, 39 percent are new participants with unique concepts such as a breastfeeding center, agricultural supplies, automated retail and convenience stores, vape stores, and a kickboxing gym.

Majority or 61 percent of participants are repeat exhibitors, mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large exhibitors which have been joining the PFA expo for several years or even for decades.

Meanwhile, 20 percent of the total exhibitors are international exhibitors from participating countries Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States will feature more than one brand in their respective pavilions.

PFA Chairman Sherill Quintana said the franchise industry is projecting 10 percent growth in revenues this year and is planning to push for 13 percent over the next five years. Last year, the PFA recorded $27 billion in total revenues.

Currently, 25 Philippine brands have reached overseas markets, representing only one percent of the PFA’s target of 2,000 brands, according to PFA.

With this number, Lim emphasized the need for more global Filipino brands to expand internationally.

“As we promote franchising, every franchise that opens is another five to ten jobs created [so there are] over 2 million jobs [already] here in the Philippines, when it comes to franchising,” Lim said. (Ma. Joselie C. Garcia)