The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (Affi) is aiming for as much as 20-percent growth in sales this year on the back of steady growth of both franchising and nonfranchising members.
Affi President John Chung said the new sales target is expected to top 2016’s haul of P107 billion from its 170 members.
“This [was obtained] from a franchising consultancy study on Affi members. Member growth has been stable, but with the new board of directors and their aggressive marketing on social media, we can probably hit or exceed that 10-percent to 20-percent target,” Chung said during the media launch of Affi’s 16thAnnual Franchise and Business Expo.
Part of this growth can be credited to Affi’s move to welcome non-franchising members into the association, and aid them in becoming part of the commodity chain of the bigger franchisers.
“Two years ago we welcomed nonfranchising members. They’re mostly suppliers to other members,” Chung said.
Nonfranchising members take up 20 percent of Affi’s 170-strong membership base. In 2016 the association welcomed the likes of JJ’s Inasal, Uratex and Gardenia.
Also driving this growth is the gradual expansion of its members into the Asean region. Affi members like Lay Bare, Julie’s Bakeshop and Fiorgelato already have a footprint in Asean.
Chung’s own business, perfume station Acquasuisse, is aiming to enter the Australian and US markets.
As a conduit to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Affi, an association of home-grown franchising businesses, maintains a strong partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to be able to avail of services at a lower cost through its shared service facilities (SSF) program.
“We’re trying to promote and help these local brands. One way is by connecting them to government agencies that give their services for free, or at lower cost. In the DTI’s SSF program, they can help you with packaging your products at a minimal investment,” Chung said.
Affi’s Annual Franchise and Business Expo will be held from September 29 to October 1 at the World Trade Center. Expected foot traffic is around 10,000 to 15,000 and exhibitors will number to 300.