This is reflected in the data in our report. “The Franchise in Spain 2024”, which highlights a 2,5% increase in the turnover of the franchise as a whole, reaching 27.623 million euros, equivalent to 1,88% of the national GDP. In addition, the number of franchising networks grew by 0,6%, from 1.375 to 1.384 chains, while the number of open establishments increased by 1,3%, accounting for 78.255 locations throughout the country.
However, the most notable fact, once again, is the impact of the franchise on employment. By the end of 2023, the sector employed 318.313 people, which represents an increase of 4,8%. This growth is particularly significant in a country with more than 2,5 million unemployed, highlighting the contribution of franchises to job creation.
Internationalization: empowering the “Spain brand"
The progress in international expansion of Spanish franchises It should also be highlighted. According to our report “The Spanish Franchise in the World 2024”, 311 national brands currently operate in 140 countries, with 18.897 establishments open on the five continents. This represents 27,18% of Spanish franchising chains, evidencing constant growth, which reinforces the presence of the “Spain brand” globally.
Low conflict in the franchise system
In the legal field, the eighth edition of the “Observatory of Franchise Jurisprudence in Spain”, prepared by our Committee of Legal Experts, analysed 944 rulings issued between 2000 and 2023. This analysis reveals that the average annual litigation rate of the franchise system is 0,09%, a percentage that reflects the low conflict between franchisors and franchisees. In addition, 66,96% of the rulings were favourable to the franchisor, reaffirming the solidity of the legal framework of this business model.
Franchise Innovation Summit 2024: a new professional meeting point
A key event of 2024 was the first edition of the Franchise Innovation Summit (FIS), held on November 13 and 14 in Madrid. This meeting, organized by our Association in collaboration with Show2Be sponsored by BBVA, brought together 50 companies, 70 leading brands and more than 1.000 professionals. The FIS has established itself as an annual space for networking, debate and exploring new opportunities in the sector.
In addition, nearly 1.600 professionals have joined the FIS365 Community, a platform active throughout the year, which facilitates interaction between entrepreneurs, investors and agents in the sector, promoting synergies and collaboration.
2025: optimism and commitment to innovation
Looking ahead to 2025, we remain optimistic about the growth of the franchise system in Spain. Brands continue to move forward with their expansion plans, both nationally and internationally, investing in innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and technologies such as artificial intelligence.
In the short and medium term, we foresee the definitive consolidation of the franchise as a professional, successful business model that is perfectly integrated into the economic and business fabric of our country.
Luisa Masuet
President of the Spanish Franchise Association (AEF)
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