AMF maintains forecast of 6% growth in franchise outlets in Mexico in 2026

The Mexican Franchise Association (AMF) maintains its forecast of 6% growth in franchise outlet numbers during 2026. The association’s president, Betsy Eslava Altamirano, presented the outlook on 14 October in Mexico City, alongside figures on brands’ presence, employment and the adoption of digital tools across the franchise sector.

A growth forecast, not a year-end result

The 6% figure represents the AMF’s forecast for growth in outlet numbers during 2026, according to statements reported by news agency EFE. It is therefore a forecast that the association is maintaining in the final quarter of the year, rather than a confirmed total of new openings.

This distinction matters when interpreting the announcement: forecast growth in outlet numbers does not imply an equivalent increase in sales, profitability or the number of brands. The reported indicator refers to the expansion of the outlet network.

Nor should it be read as a promise of performance for every franchise. The figure provides a broad indication of the association’s expectations, whereas assessing a particular brand or location requires information specific to that operation.

For those monitoring investment opportunities in Mexico, the announcement highlights the growth outlook that the AMF continues to hold. It is an aggregate national forecast, not a schedule of openings or an announcement of new branches by a particular company.

A sector with 95,000 outlets

Eslava put the size of Mexico’s franchise sector at around 1,500 brands, 95,000 outlets and more than one million jobs. These figures accompany the growth forecast and illustrate three different aspects of the sector: the variety of franchise concepts, their commercial footprint and the employment linked to their operations.

These measures should be kept separate. A single brand may have multiple outlets, so the number of concepts alone does not describe the scale of the networks. Similarly, the total number of outlets does not show how they are distributed across brands or locations.

The figures were presented as part of the national overview given by the AMF president. For an investment decision, they provide context, but they do not replace a review of comparable outlets’ results, contract terms and the resources needed to launch an outlet.

Digital operations accompany expansion

The overview also included figures on how Mexican franchises operate. According to Eslava, more than 70% use digital strategies encompassing e-commerce and customer service across multiple channels.

In addition, almost 50% use artificial intelligence to manage stock, analyse data and support operational decisions, according to the AMF. These are two separate indicators: the adoption of digital strategies should not be confused with the specific use of artificial intelligence.

These figures add an operational dimension to the forecast of more outlets. The discussion of growth extends beyond physical premises to include the systems used to manage stock, process information and serve customers.

For a prospective franchisee, the practical takeaway is to ask which tools the business model actually includes, what training the brand provides and which responsibilities fall to the operator. National percentages do not reveal the technological capabilities of individual franchises or their specific costs.

How to use the figure when assessing a franchise

The AMF forecast provides a reference point for tracking the sector’s development towards the end of 2026. It becomes more useful when broad expectations are distinguished from evidence relating to a specific opportunity.

Before committing to an investment, compare the brand’s expansion plans with its capacity to support franchisees, review the requirements for opening an outlet and request information on the operation of comparable outlets. It is also important to clarify how digital channels are integrated into the outlet’s day-to-day work.

In practice: the forecast of 6% growth signals the AMF’s expectations, not a guarantee for an individual business. Use it as context and base your decision on verifiable information about the brand, the location and the contract.