Raising franchise standards in Netherlands

Franchising in the Netherlands has developed into an established way of doing business, spanning food and non-food retail, hospitality, services and care. Its development belongs to the wider European expansion of franchising, rather than a single clearly identified Dutch starting point. Important milestones include the publication of the voluntary Dutch Franchising Code in February 2016 and the introduction of the Dutch Franchise Act on 1 January 2021, strengthening the framework for franchise relationships.

The Nederlandse Franchise Vereniging (NFV), the Dutch Franchise Association, represents its affiliated franchise organisations and promotes the healthy, balanced development of franchising. Its 2023 figures record 917 franchise systems and 34,849 outlets, employing 410,500 people and generating €46 billion in turnover excluding VAT. This is not simply a market for large chains: 80% of Dutch franchise systems are small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting the importance of smaller organisations within the franchise community.