Franchises in Expansion: Why This Model Keeps Growing in Colombia and Will Take Center Stage at Alimentec 2026

Bogotá, May 2026. The franchise model has spent several years weathering difficult economic cycles in Colombia — and it has done so because it offers something the market values: entering a business with a recognized brand, proven processes, and a structure that shortens the learning curve. That combination remains attractive to an increasingly informed and selective investor profile.

 

According to Colfranquicias, Colombia has more than 510 franchise brands, approximately 17,900 businesses linked to the system, and around 72,000 direct jobs generated by this model. Of the 542 franchises identified in the country, 349 are of Colombian origin and 193 are foreign — reflecting both the maturity of the local ecosystem and the interest of international brands in operating in the Colombian market.

 

The food sector accounts for approximately 4 out of every 10 active franchises in the country, according to Publicapital. Gastronomy, fast food, beverages, cafés, and immediate-consumption formats lead this dynamic. Their advantage lies in high brand recognition, the ease of replicating operations, and the ability to adapt to different investment levels and format sizes.

The franchisee profile has also changed. It is no longer just the entrepreneur who wants to build something of their own: there are investors with available capital looking for scalable, measurable models with ongoing support. Brands themselves have responded to this shift by developing more flexible schemes, with lower entry barriers and the capacity to adapt to different territories and formats.

 

“The growth of franchises is directly connected to what the market is looking for today: entering proven businesses, with a brand, defined processes, and standardized operations. Investors no longer want to start from scratch; they want a business platform that allows them to shorten the learning curve, reduce risk, and grow within an organized and scalable structure,” explains Ricardo Barrios, CEO of Market Franquicias by Publicapital.

 

It is within this context that Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia 2026 opens a dedicated franchise pavilion. The fair, organized by Koelnmesse and Corferias, will be held June 9–12 at Corferias in Bogotá, bringing together the leading players in the food, beverage, HORECA, and retail industries in Latin America.

 

“We understood that the franchise pavilion could not be just an exhibition space. We built it as a genuine meeting point: brands with expansion ambitions, investors with capital and decision-making power, and quality content to help conne

ct those two sides. That, in the end, is what a good trade fair is all about,” says Doris Chingaté, Project Head at Corferias.

 

The pavilion’s academic agenda includes a partnership with Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, developed through Market Franquicias by Publicapital, which will provide attendees with high-value content on the world of food and beverage franchising. Participants will receive certificates of attendance accrediting their training in franchise acquisition, negotiation, and operations, with the participation of speakers and industry representatives who bring both academic and practical substance to the conversation.

 

“That Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia incorporates this type of agenda says something about where the fair is heading. We are part of a platform that already belongs to the Anuga brand family — the most recognized food and beverage trade fair network in the world — and that translates into higher-quality conversations with greater international reach. For brands looking to expand in Latin America and for investors seeking concepts with regional potential, this is the right stage,” says Alberto Almanza, Project Manager at Koelnmesse.

 

With delegations from more than 20 countries confirmed, the fair positions Colombia as a hub for the expansion of business models in the region. Colombian gastronomic concepts with internationalization potential will find here a platform with real reach, while international brands will find in Colombia and Latin America an active, receptive, and growing market.

 

The Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia 2026 franchise pavilion arrives at a moment when the sector has real conditions to move forward. Established brands seeking new territories, more discerning investors, and a knowledge-driven agenda that makes those conversations more productive than anywhere else.

 

Industry professionals interested in attending can pre-register at feriaalimentec.com and be part of the four days of Alimentec | Anuga Select Colombia 2026, June 9–12 at Corferias, Bogotá.

 

Koelnmesse — Trade fairs for the food industry: Koelnmesse, the Cologne Trade Fair, is an international leader in organizing trade shows dedicated to the food industry. Events such as Anuga and ISM are global leaders held in Cologne. Koelnmesse also presents numerous food trade fairs in key markets around the world — including Brazil, China, India, Italy, Spain, Japan, Colombia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates — each with a specific sectoral focus and content. Through these global activities, Koelnmesse offers its clients tailored regional reference events in different markets, ensuring sustained international business. In the field of food technology, Koelnmesse is also optimally positioned with its world-leading trade fairs Anuga FoodTec and ISM Manufacturing, as well as its global network of additional trade show events.

 

Corferias — Bogotá’s International Business and Exhibition Center: With more than 70 years of experience, Corferias is Colombia’s leading trade fair venue and one of the most important in Latin America. Its mission is to promote business, social, and cultural development through trade fairs, events, and conventions that drive innovation and economic activity in the region.