Biz prospects up for grabs in franchise expo

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu-based franchise consulting firm, RK Franchise Consultancy will hold the 6th edition of its annual Mindanao Franchise Expo in Cagayan de Oro City on October 21 to 23.

The three-day event will showcase business opportunities available for budding entreprenuers who may want to own instant business via the franchise system.

According to RK Franchise president Rudolf Kotik, since franchising is the safest way to invest nowadays the event will offer varied franchise packages that will suit interested or potential franchisee’s budget.

Kotik, who is also the president of the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), said that about 200 franchise opportunities will be offered by the 25 exhibitors who already registered.

Among the exhibitors are Laundry World, Crystal Clear water, Work Area, Generika Drugstore, Julies Bakeshop, Aficionado Perfume, AMA Education System, Yummy Bread House, Precious Pillow, Speedstar Franchising, Panadero Bakeshop, Chinito’s Restaurant, Aqualipure Water Systems, Mimi’s Lechon Manok, Figaro Coffee Company, Micafe, TRIPS Trademarks, myface n’ mynails and O’Hair Salon. 

The event is also supported by FIFA Filipino International Franchise Association and sponsored by Netopia Internet Café, Botoy’s Lechon Manok, RK Franchise Consultancy, PLDT SME Nation, Marigold Hotel and LBC Express.

As franchising keeps on growing fast in Mindanao, Kotik is giving a seminar about Franchising and Trademarking a Business at the Dynasty Court Hotel on October 25, 1.30 p.m.

Kotik, senior franchise consultant of 33 years in three continents, founded 16 years ago RK Franchise Consultancy and developed more than 400 Filipino companies into franchise systems.

The franchises developed by RK Franchise Consultancy in Cagayan de Oro include Botoy’s, Shaomai, Pritong Paborito, Tazza, Rika Drug, Yummy Breadhouse, International Star Jewelers, Workarea and from other parts of the Philippines which have Franchisees in Cagayan de Oro City: Phoenix Petroleum, Penongs, Panadero, Dimsum Diner, Mandarin Tea Garden, Aling Cora, Mooon Café, Gerry’s Grill, Creamee D-Lite, Ice Castle, Mamma Maria, Aquahealth, KRG Pan de Pugon, Vienna Kaffehaus, Park N Go Bakeshop, Thirsty, Ink2Go, LuvPony, Grand Royal Spa, and House of Praise among others.

In the Philippines, franchising accounted for US$9.45 billion or 30 percent of the retail output in 2010 with over a million employment opportunities generated.

The sector is expected to grow by 20 percent in the next two years, due to robust outlook brought on by several factors like the entry of new players from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the continued rise of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, and introduction of indigenous and food concepts.

Of the 1,093 franchised business in the Philippines today, 66 percent of these are homegrown brands, while 34 percent are foreign owned.

The franchise business contributed about five percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). – (FREEMAN)