MBC-backed brands sign 240 franchise letters of intent at Taiwan expo

Franchise options in Taiwan are expanding beyond food and drink into everyday services. According to a 7 October report in the Commercial Times, MBC accompanied brands spanning seven sectors to the 2026 Taiwan International Chain and Franchise Exhibition. Together, the brands signed 240 franchise letters of intent during the four-day event, demonstrating an integrated approach to brand development and franchisee recruitment.

Seven sectors recruiting under one roof

The exhibition took place from 2 to 5 October at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, Hall 2. MBC chairman Lin Chun-chou and chief marketing officer Lu Chin-yuan joined participating brands covering rental leasing and property management, cafés and dining, restaurant chains, beauty and hairdressing, scalp care and wellness, home repairs, and AI-powered equipment.

The figure of 240 refers to the combined number of franchise letters of intent signed by these brands, not the number of outlets opened. Nor should it be treated as a tally of binding franchise agreements. For prospective franchisees, meeting a brand at an exhibition is only the starting point: the terms of cooperation and operating arrangements still need to be checked in detail.

Home services explore replicable business models

Among the exhibitors, Le Mu Di Jia targets demand arising from ageing housing, home repairs and related services. It is gradually standardising and building a brand around work that has traditionally depended heavily on individual tradespeople’s experience, while using exhibitions to develop franchise and regional partnership opportunities.

The key question for this type of business is not simply how many partners it recruits, but how technical expertise can be translated into repeatable service processes. Prospective franchisees can ask specific questions about training, workmanship and responsibility for service delivery to assess whether head-office support can meet local needs.

Hsin Chao Housing Group, which previously entered the franchise market with MBC’s support, has meanwhile moved towards expanding independently. At this year’s exhibition, it again attracted enquiries from entrepreneurs and franchisees across Taiwan.

Food and beauty brands take different approaches

In food and drink, Lao Wo Coffee attracted entrepreneurs with its established brand and standardised operating model. The Lu Yi Qi restaurant group drew on its experience in opening outlets and managing brands to engage prospective franchisees interested in the dining market.

In everyday services, Yi Hua Gong Traditional Scalp Care and Wellness focused on traditional scalp treatments, building on the attention it received at the previous exhibition. Kao Fen Group showcased its beauty and hairdressing services and operating systems. Having different brands recruit at the same event allowed visitors to compare product-led businesses with specialist service models, rather than choosing a franchise solely by the size of its premises.

Support programme extends to the spring 2027 exhibition

Lin said MBC aims to help brands develop the capabilities needed to grow from a single outlet into a chain. It also plans to support more brands across different sectors in preparation for the spring 2027 franchise exhibition. The planned programme covers brand positioning, business models, franchise systems and recruitment at exhibitions.

For those considering Taiwan’s franchise market, the event illustrated several routes by which service businesses can develop into chains. In practice, prospective franchisees should first shortlist brands that suit their own experience, then examine training, the division of responsibilities and contract terms. A letter of intent is worth following up, but it should never replace a thorough assessment before opening a business.