Taipei summer franchise show brings together over 100 brands as organiser forecasts NT$1.5 billion in business opportunities

The 2026 Taipei International Chain and Franchise Summer Exhibition opened on 12 June at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, bringing together more than 100 franchise brands across 300 stands. Covering food and drink, retail, beauty, smart services and AI-based business ventures, the exhibition offers Taiwan’s franchise community a chance to explore different business models under one roof.

Over 100 brands exhibit, but business opportunity figures are forecasts

The organiser, the Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, said it expected the exhibition to lead to more than 1,000 new outlets and create 5,000 jobs, with potential business opportunities worth up to NT$1.5 billion.

These figures reflect the organiser’s estimates of the exhibition’s subsequent impact, rather than completed outlet openings, recruitment or transactions. For entrepreneurs comparing franchise options, the scale of the event provides a starting point for understanding the range of exhibitors. It should not be treated as evidence of any individual brand’s operating performance or as a promise of returns.

This year’s summer exhibition extends beyond food and drink brands to include beauty, smart services and AI-based ventures, giving prospective franchisees an opportunity to compare options across sectors.

Commerce agency outlines digital and net-zero transition priorities

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chen Mi-shun, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Administration of Commerce, said the government was actively promoting both digital and net-zero transitions. Funding had been allocated to help small and medium-sized enterprises develop staff skills in AI applications while pursuing international business opportunities.

The remarks brought skills development and overseas expansion into the exhibition’s discussions. When assessing smart services or AI-related offerings, prospective franchisees should ask franchisors about training arrangements and practical operating requirements, as well as equipment and features. The opening remarks outlined policy priorities; they do not mean that every exhibiting brand or prospective franchisee is eligible for specific funding.

Taipei City pledges support for international exchange

Taipei City Government Deputy Secretary-General Lin Shih-pin said the association had successfully secured Taipei as the host of this year’s World Franchise Council annual meeting. The city government would fully support preparations, with the aim of raising the international profile of Taiwanese franchise brands and helping them expand overseas.

Discussions at the summer exhibition’s opening therefore covered both local business start-ups and international exchange. However, gaining brand exposure and actually opening outlets abroad are distinct stages. Operators interested in cross-border partnerships should examine the exchange activities, partnership models and subsequent implementation arrangements separately.

Franchisor certification focuses on transparency

Association chairman Wu Yung-chiang said the association had continued to promote brands’ international expansion and adoption of smart technologies in recent years. It had also long championed a franchise headquarters certification scheme, with third-party reviews intended to improve the transparency of franchise information and build market trust.

For prospective franchisees, the exhibition offers an initial point of contact with brands; verifying the information is the next step. A practical reminder: when comparing options, keep the organiser’s business opportunity forecasts separate from each brand’s own operating data. Confirm outlet set-up costs, training support and certification status with the franchisor before deciding whether to invest.