Food brands remain well-established in the EF100 despite pressures on hospitality industry. The Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) is an annual ranking of the top 100 franchise brands, taking into account their size, growth, ambitions and contributions to the communities in which they operate. One sector that has remained well-established within the EF100, and looks forward to the upcoming ranking, is food brands.
The pandemic caused issues for food brands more than most industries. With hospitality venues forced to close their doors, the operations of such businesses were stopped. This was clearly reflected in hospitality numbers from 2020, which saw 10,000 sites close for good. A shocking statistic when compared to the year prior, ultimately representing a net 175% increase in closures1. Despite this, food franchise brands affirmed their strength even in difficult times, currently occupying nine places on the EF100 list.
SUBWAY® is one such brand that continues to demonstrate their resilience. The sandwich franchise has been in the top 10 of the EF100 since it began five years ago. According to the latest bfa NatWest Franchise Survey, SUBWAY’s expansion has been vast – increasing their network by 700 stores (from 1,500 to 2,200) in 10 years. By moving up the ranks to break into the top five for the first time, let alone during COVID, SUBWAY’s market prominence is clear. Naturally, they hope to continue this strong form in the upcoming 2022 ranking.
“At SUBWAY® we were delighted to be featured in the HSBC Elite Franchise TOP 100 (UK) 2021 rankings, which further establishes and recognises renowned brands in the QSR sector, such as our own. After a challenging year for the whole hospitality industry, this recognition importantly demonstrates the hard work of our franchisees and their teams. At SUBWAY® we are continually focused on looking forward and have some exciting innovations and developments in place to delight our guests and provide a strong brand and business opportunity for all our franchisees in 2022,” said Nigel Doughty, Country Director UK & Ireland Subway.
As well as SUBWAY, Pepe’s Piri Piri’s ranking in the EF100 last year showed that even debutants were able to celebrate their successes and establish themselves as a top food brand. Even as a newcomer, they were ranked at 32. Through targeted campaigns reflecting the commitment to the communities in which they operate, Pepe’s Piri Piri were able to navigate through the pandemic, and today have been able to open their doors in the US, as well as having nearly 50 established locations in the UK.
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