Chicken, burgers, desserts, Asian and Mexican food, are some of the most demanded prepared foods under the home delivery modality in Guatemala.
Data from the company Uber Eats, dedicated to home delivery of prepared meals in the country, specify that the "Poke Bowl", containers with marinated raw fish, on a basis of rice or quinoa, along with fresh ingredients such as seaweed, cucumber or avocado, is another of the most purchased dishes by consumers who use the platform.
Costa Rica and Guatemala are leading a market in which 300 brands based on this business model already operate, 125 of which are native to the region.
Of the 300 franchises existing in the region, 125 were created by Central American companies that have adopted this business model, becoming the fourth largest market for international franchise in Latin America.
The government and Francorp Central America have launched the second part of a program of intensive courses in franchises.
A press release from the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala reads:
The Deputy Minister for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, Siegfried Lee and the CEO of Francorp for Central America and the Caribbean, Jose Fernandez, described the progress made on implementing the Vice Ministry's Strategy for MSMEs and the National Strategy for Franchises.
An agreement between the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce and the Guatemalan Association of Franchising aims to promote the model in order to achieve growth by opening up new markets.
Aida Rios, president of the Guatemalan Association of Franchises (AGF in Spanish), said the support of the GCC will allow companies interested in franchising to compete in other countries, improve financing options and project their image at events.
In Guatemala and throughout Central America the opening of franchise restaurant chains continues to increase.
In the coming months 7 new franchise restaurants will open in Guatemala, including the return of the U.S. firm Dunkin Donuts. Currently there are 200 franchises operating nationwide restaurant, of which 75% are U.S. companies
The CEO of the Corporation of Franchises (Francorp), Jose Fernandez, told Siglo21.com.gt that Guatemala "has become fertile ground for the industry, with something for every taste and sector. Fernandez says brands have been found in the franchise model a safe route for expansion. "
The country has become the largest market for franchising in the region, with sales of $300 million annually.
Of all the franchises operating in the country, who together generate about 525,000 direct jobs, 65 are national chains and of these, some already have a presence in other countries such as Pollo Campero, and La Holandesa among others.
Ramon Hernandez, president of the Guatemalan Association of Franchises (AGF), noted that "for this year (2011) we expect the arrival of eight foreign franchises which are currently in negotiations with local partners, without revealing brands or dates", reported Batres Alexis in her article in Elperiodico.com.gt.
US-based International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is one of those beginning operations in the country.
The expected growth for this year is similar to that seen in the previous two years.
Jose Fernandez, CEO of Francorp Guatemala, told Prensa Libre that among companies showing interest in entering the Guatemalan market "... are Colombian Velez and Mario Hernandez (leather), El Corral (burgers), Leña y Carbón (restaurant), while from Spain are mentioned Nisako (women accessories) and Cortefiel (boutique). From Brazil they expect the brand Track 1 shoes."
With sales plummeting 45% and lacking credit, some 500 micro, small and medium companies are under risk of closing.
José Fernández, president of Anmpih (Association of Micro, Small and Medium Insutrial companies), labeled the situation as "critical".
"This is a disaster, even companies from the service sector believe they won't get through next year, and some 500 micro companies are about to close due to lack of funds, as they don't even know how they'll pay the Christmas bonus", warned José Fernandez in a Laprensahn.com article.