5 Emerging Franchise Segments to Watch

The Detox Wave

In today’s day and age, food transparency is key to consumers – they want to be able to know what they are putting into their bodies. Consumers are constantly looking for healthy alternatives and options that are fast, taste delicious and have added health benefits. For example, just this month QSR published an article titled: “Why it’s Time for Restaurants to Ride the Detox Wave.” The article addresses how consumers are looking to get their detox fix through cold-pressed juices, bone broths and other clean soups; many are using it as a meal replacement or a three day fast. This trend has grown in popularity over the past few years and it doesn’t seem to be disappearing anytime soon. The restaurant industry is adapting their menus to be more transparent with customers and offering light, detox-minded options for those looking to get those extra health fixes.

Go Vegan

Veganism has gone mainstream and become the norm. An article published by Forbes contributor Katrina Fox talks about why business owners should consider making their brand vegan in 2018. Plant-based food sales increased by 8.1% in 2017, topping $3.1 billion. “These key developments and growth are signs that this market will continue to grow,” says Fox. It’ll be interesting to see how this trend progresses over the next few years as the food industry is always changing.  

Fast Casual

Consumers are looking for delicious, healthy options that are accessible, fast and easy to get on the go. Fast casual won’t be going away anytime soon and neither will these brands. Check out QSR’s "The 40/40 List: America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals" – maybe one of these could be your next big investment.

Pets

Furry friends hold a special place in everyone’s heart. Who doesn’t love their furry companion? According to an article published last year, the pet industry was in the top five franchising segments for 2017 and we don’t see it going anywhere in 2018. Here are 25 pet care brands to keep on your radar again in 2018.

Fitness & Wellness

Aligned with the detox wave, consumers strive to take the best care of their bodies and remain in good physical shape, but apparently, millennials are turning the fitness industry upside down. “A growing segment of the U.S. population is making a significant sacrifice for physical fitness, and not just in sore muscles and pre-dawn wake-ups. More and more people are paying hundreds of dollars a month, or thousands a year for personal workouts, special classes, and ever more luxurious gyms,” says Ben Steverman. People are willing to spend the extra money to be pushed to the limit and stay in shape. New-fangled fad workout programs are popping up left and right. What’s going to be the next big workout phenomenon this year?