Brazil's Franchise Powerhouse Takes Centre Stage at ABF Expo 2026
Global South EXPOHUB AI Analytics · 2026-06-19
Brazil's franchising sector — host of the 33rd ABF Expo at Expo Center Norte, São Paulo — hit a historic BRL 301.7 billion (USD 55 billion) in 2025, growing 10.5–10.8% year-on-year and outpacing the broader retail average. The market spans 200,000+ operations and sustains 1.8 million formal jobs. // ABF forecasts 8–10% revenue growth in 2026, with networks expanding 2–4%. Food Service leads, hitting a record BRL 51.8 billion (+10.8% YoY) as out-of-home dining accelerates. // Internationalisation gains traction: Brazilian franchises operate in 126 countries, with the Franchising Brasil programme (ABF + ApexBrasil) generating USD 11.8 million in projected new business via 2025 missions. Brand presence in Portugal alone rose 68% in five years. // Key trends: digital channels, multi-segment expansion, healthy-food concepts, and brand internationalisation — positioning Brazil as the Global South's leading franchise hub.
Context event: ABF Franchising Expo 2026