New Delhi,The 29th edition of FRO2010, the Indias biggest franchise and retail opportunities expo opened here today at Hotel Taj Chandigarh. Organized jointly by Franchise India Holdings Ltd (FIHL) and Indian Franchise Association (IFA), FRO2010 brings together some of the popular brands, franchisors, mall developers, suppliers along with the franchise experts to provide an insight into the franchise and retail business, also catering to SMB. Overwhelmed by the response to the fourth consecutive year of FRO2010 in the city, Mr. Gaurav Marya, President, Franchise India Holdings Ltd (FIHL) said that franchise is a Rs. 68,000 crore industry growing at an annual rate of 35 percent which would get a special boost with the government policies favouring the franchise ties-up globally, augurs well for the budding entrepreneurs in the region and who will benefit from the business opportunities being made available at the show here.

Franchising is the most dependable model for the budding entrepreneurs since it provides complete brand support through a standardized process with consistent quality of products and services, Mr. Marya added.

Mrs. Ritu Marya, Director, FIHL informed that over 75 leading brands across various industry segments are offering a spectrum of opportunities in franchising, retailing, licensing, real estate and retail supply from various industry- verticals including food and beverages, fashion and lifestyle, luxury, health, beauty and fitness, education, entertainment, travel and retail services.
On the first day of the conference, leading speakers who interacted with the entrepreneurs included Dr. Deepak Kapur, of UBS Panjab University, Sanjay Sachdeva, Director, Advance India Private Limited, Sameer Akhil Kachru, Director, Yes India Hospitality, and N.P.Singh, Director, Samsonite.

Sameer Kachru pointed out that while franchising ensures a safe method to own a brand and start a business, the food and beverage segment in particular, has immense opportunity, since this sectors growth is pegged at 45%, and earlier studies have revealed that more than 30% of new food outlets coming up in almost every city across the country are through franchise system.
He however warned that in the hospitality sector one may compromise and compete on price, but not on quality, since customer today is more discerning.
Mr. NP Singh, Director, Samsonite, expressed hope that people looking for new business opportunities would have got an insight into the best practices in franchising, retail, licensing and small business development.

FRO2010 has showcased the business opportunities at the exhibition for the prospective entrepreneurs to study and discuss in detail with the brand representatives, the second day of the conference would focus on fashion and lifestyle, food and beverage, education, specialty services etc.

FRO2010 Chandigarh takes pride in linking together the brightest concepts in franchising with most qualified business buyers from the northern part of India which is a significant contributor to Indias dynamic small business sector, particularly Chandigarh, as it is an upcoming retail market.

Notes to Editor

About Franchise India Holdings Limited

Franchise India Holdings Limited (FIHL) is Asias largest integrated franchise and retail solution provider since 1999. Franchise India is an authority on franchising, licensing, retail, real estate and marketing having helped numerous investors in the country to become entrepreneurs. FIHL assists local investors with its 41 offices worldwide.