The franchise sector in Spain grows by 3% in turnover and 1,4% in employment

THE FRANCHISE IN SPAIN 2026

The national franchise ecosystem is undergoing a strategic transformation focused on profitability and large retail spaces. Despite the reduction in the number of brands and locations, the sector has managed to increase its business volume to [amount missing]. 28.454 millones de euros (The 1,68% of the national GDP) and consolidates its role as a driving force for employment by surpassing the 322.800 direct work posts.

---

El franchise market in Spain has demonstrated remarkable resilience and economic maturity during the last fiscal year. This is according to the official annual report prepared by the Spanish Franchise Association (AEF), with the financial backing of cooperative banking CajamarThis business model closed 2025 with markedly positive indicators in terms of profitability and hiring, even in the face of an operational restructuring situation.

The study, considered the official barometer of the sector, reveals that the global revenue of these chains reached 28.454 millones de euros by the end of 2025. This represents an additional injection of 831 million compared to 2023, translating into a interannual growth of 3%Of this economic magnitude, which already represents the 1,68% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) In Spain, the extraordinary performance of independent establishments stands out, whose sales skyrocketed. 10,3% (up to 11.398,8 million euros), offsetting the slight contraction of 1,4% experienced by purely franchised premises.

Food and hospitality, the driving forces of the business

In the sector breakdown, the segment of the Food It once again reigns supreme as the undisputed market leader, capturing a turnover of 8.056,1 millones de euros and operating the largest physical network with nearly 13.000 points of sale. It is closely followed in revenue by... Hospitality & Restaurant (both in its traditional and hotel aspect as well as in the format Fast food), consolidating Spain's position as a key market for the international investment in these niches.

Job creation: an indisputable pillar

Beyond sales figures, the model's greatest added value lies in the job market. The franchise reaffirms itself as an asset that generates human wealth, providing employment to 322.830 professionals, which reflects a 1,4% increase (4.517 new jobs) compared to the records of 2023. Again, the food and fast food sector absorbs the bulk of this workforce.

Strategic restructuring: less is more

Paradoxically, despite the increase in revenue and hiring, the franchise's membership has shrunk. They currently operate in Spain. 1.295 matrix chains (6,5% less) through 77.526 establishments (a 1% drop). This reduction of 89 brands and 729 closed shutters is not due to a consumer crisis, but to a business optimization strategyLarge companies are opting to operate fewer stores, but with much larger and more efficient commercial spacesat the same time, the market naturally weeds out smaller or inactive brands through corporate acquisition processes.

Of all these networks, the 82% are of national origin, while the remaining 18% corresponds to the corporate internationalizationattracting 233 firms from 28 different countries to Spain, with France and the United States leading foreign direct investment in this area.

Madrid and Catalonia, centers of commercial attraction

From a geographical perspective, activity remains highly concentrated. Region of Madrid It comfortably leads the statistics, hosting 388 franchise headquarters that generate over €13.400 billion in revenue and support 153.000 jobs. Next, Catalonia (with 320 locations and over 7.380 billion in revenue), the Valencian Community, Andalusia and Galicia complete the regional "Top 5", together accounting for the 82% of the total business in the country.

The voice of the market's key players

The highest authorities in the sector have agreed on the diagnosis of these results. Luisa Masuet, president of the employers' association, the figures support that “The franchise system continues to demonstrate its maturity in Spain, with a 3% increase in turnover, and remains a business model that generates employment.”.

In the same line, Edward AbbeyThe association's chief executive has highlighted the investor appetite: “Despite the decline in the number of networks and open establishments, the system continues to grow in revenue, not only with national brands, but also international ones, which continue to invest in operating in the Spanish market.”.

Finally, from the perspective of business finance, Francisco Hernández, coordinator of the Corporate Banking Department of BCC-Grupo Cajamar, concludes that this formula “It has proven capable of evolving in step with new market demands and in an increasingly demanding environment.”, reiterating the commitment of their entity to the development of specialized financial solutions to facilitate the expansion of franchisors and franchisees.