Over 20 local brands eye overseas expansion

Over 20 Filipino brands intend to expand and bring their products and services overseas, according to the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

In a briefing, PFA chairman Sam Christopher Lim said up to 25 local brands want to expand beyond the Philippines and go international.

He said there are already around 20 local brands that have set up their presence overseas.

While there are local brands looking to do business beyond the Philippines, he said it is difficult to set a timeline as there are challenges in setting up operations overseas.

Joey Garcia, chair of Franchise Asia Philippines 2024, said bringing brands overseas through franchising is different from expanding locally.

When expanding overseas, he said it is ideal for brands to have a master licensee in the new market. “But it’s very difficult to find the right master licensee or master franchisee. That’s the biggest challenge that we face,” he said.