Franchising continues to grow year after year, and 2018 will be no different. Here’s our list of trends and business categories to keep an eye out for this year. We’re predicting these trends will dominate the world of franchising in 2018!
Eco-Friendly Businesses
Climate change continues to be a global issue, and conserving natural resources and limiting our waste and energy use are imperative. As consumers lean toward all things eco, so too do businesses. Research shows that becoming environmentally friendly can lower a business’s costs and increase revenue. There are two types of green franchises to look out for: franchises that directly aid the environment, such as solar panel installation businesses and energy conservation consultants; and franchises that employ green technology and practices, such as automotive businesses that have adopted practices of pollution prevention and cleaning businesses that use eco-friendly products.
Focus on Clean Eating
The food industry is seeing a shift in how Canadians eat. Many popular food franchise brands have been vocal about their shift to clean and healthier ingredients that are used in their food products, and businesses have been created fully around the fresh and healthy eating concept. In 2015, Ontario passed the Making Healthy Choices Act, which came into effect at the beginning of 2017, ensuring that food businesses display the number of calories for their products. The clean eating trend expands beyond removing artificial ingredients and unhealthy menu options to include ethical food choices as well. Many franchises benefit from the shift to using cage-free eggs and antibiotic-free poultry.
Fast Casual Restaurants
The rise of the fast casual restaurant and clean eating go hand-in-hand. While Canadians are increasingly looking for healthier food options, they are turning to the fast casual restaurant franchises that offer the quality of a traditional restaurant at the convenience of fast food. Fast casual franchises will need to find a way to differentiate themselves from the competition as the demand continues to grow. Some ways that restaurants have been doing this are by offering specific options like gluten-free, vegetarian, and organic and by selling alcoholic beverages.
Age-In-Place Home Care
Canada’s populous Baby Boomer generation is nearing the 65+ age range, and this generation is more independent than ever, preferring to age in their own homes rather than their retirement homes. This can put a strain on these seniors’ adult children who want their parents to have the best care and be happy and healthy. This opens up plenty of opportunity for the home care and senior care industry. In addition to making a difference in people’s lives, home care franchises have the added benefit of a low investment cost, making it easy to start a business worth doing.