AFFI projects 15% sales growth this yr

MANILA, Philippines - The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) expects sales to grow by 15 percent this year from last year’s P54 billion due to the increase in member firms’ outlets and the group’s membership, an official said.

“The growth will be seen as more franchisors are opening branches,” AFFI president Armando Bartolome said in a press conference yesterday.

He noted that many franchisors are now looking overseas to expand their business.

AFFI currently has 12 members with international branches which include Aquabest, Crystal Clear, Eat Bulaga, Figaro Coffee Company, Fiorgelato, Gotoking, Lay Bare Waxing Salon, Mang Inasal, Potato Corner and Sweet Corner.

Bartolome said 15 other members are preparing to go overseas this year.

AFFI’s members currently have a total of 16,093 stores.

Apart from the expansion of its franchisors, Bartolome said higher sales this year would likewise be supported by the increase in the AFFI’s membership.

At present, the AFFI has 112 members, a 17 percent increase from just 96 members in 2012.

Of the 112 member-firms, 55 percent or 62 are in the food business while the remaining 50 offer various services.

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims for regional economic integration by December 2015, AFFI chair Teresita Laurel said the group is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help not just their members but other small and medium enterprise prepare for it.

While Filipino businesses are seen to be competitive, she said the AFFI is preparing with the DTI a manual on how to do business, particularly, how to bring franchises to other ASEAN countries.

The manual, she said, would serve as guide for Filipino businesses looking to expand to other ASEAN markets since the other countries in the region have their own regulations when it comes to franchising.

“It (manual) should be ready by next year. Hopefully, we can come out with it come June 2014,” she added.

AFFI 12th Franchise Show chairman Ricardo Cuna said the group’s franchise show, which would be held from October 4 to 6 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, would also be helpful for businesses which intend to open stores in other countries.

“Franchising is not like it was seven years ago. People are more discerning now, they’re wising up to the game,” he said.

The AFFI’s franchise show would present franchising investment opportunities in food, retail and services as well as demonstrations, seminars and training sessions.

The AFFI, which was organized in 1997, is composed of Filipino businesses which recognize the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market.