Oviedo backs new Ibero-American franchise association

Oviedo has hosted the presentation and signing of a statement of intent to establish the Asturian Ibero-American Franchise Association (AAIF), an initiative intended to help brands expand between Spain and Latin America. The announcement, released on 1 October 2026, names the capital of Asturias in northern Spain as the base for a new organisation promoting cooperation within the franchise community.

A project unveiled at the Ibero-American franchise meeting

The signing took place at the headquarters of Oviedo’s Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation, during the closing session of the Fourth Ibero-American Franchise Meeting. The initiative was launched by Centro Franquicias, a consultancy with offices in Oviedo, Madrid and Mexico City.

According to the founders’ statement published by Notimérica, the association will have its registered office at the Chamber of Commerce’s premises at 32 Calle Quintana, Oviedo. From there, it aims to provide market-entry support and advice, and foster international cooperation for franchise businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

The founding group brings together businesses in consultancy, services, food service and retail. The announcement therefore points to a multidisciplinary base for the project, although it does not name the signatory companies or specify how many brands are involved at this initial stage.

Supporting expansion in both directions

The AAIF’s stated mission is to help franchisors enter, grow and establish a lasting presence in both Spain and Latin American markets. It is therefore not intended solely as a route for Spanish brands to expand overseas: it also envisages supporting expansion in the opposite direction.

The agreement’s objectives include supporting members as they expand internationally. This support covers advice on growth, regulatory frameworks and establishing business models in Ibero-American markets.

The organisation also aims to act as a single point of contact between the Spanish and Latin American franchise communities. This is an ambition expressed by its founders, rather than an established institutional role. The statement does not identify priority countries, specific market-entry projects or expansion agreements concluded under the planned association.

For brands considering joining, the proposed remit thus combines two elements: support in establishing a business presence and the development of relationships that could assist that process. The information released does not detail specific services or their terms.

Partnerships, training and joint representation

Institutional cooperation is another planned area of activity. The founders want to foster lasting partnerships and agreements with chambers of commerce, federations, trade promotion bodies and related organisations. The aim is to build a collaborative network supporting business exchange between Spain and Ibero-America.

On knowledge-sharing, the agreement envisages forums, trade missions, market studies and specialist training programmes in franchising and corporate governance. These activities form part of the proposed organisation’s objectives; the announcement does not yet provide dates, destinations or detailed programmes.

There are also plans to represent members collectively in dealings with public authorities and private institutions. This role sits alongside advice and cooperation within the AAIF’s proposed remit.

Formal establishment pending, with new brands welcome

The key point about the announcement is the project’s current status. What was presented in Oviedo is a statement of intent to formally establish the association. Following the signing, the participating companies agreed a work schedule to officially establish it and approve its constitution within less than two months.

During that period, the initiative will remain open to additional Spanish and Latin American companies and franchise brands wishing to join the founding project. This allows the initial group to grow before the association is formally established and its operating rules are approved.

Practical takeaway: interested brands can consider joining during this founding phase. Before deciding, they should ask the organisers for information on the proposed constitution, membership terms and timetable for services, none of which is yet detailed in the announcement.