New Zealand Franchising Sentiment For 2025.

The New Zealand Franchising Sentiment Survey – January 2025, conducted by Franchize Consultants, provides a comprehensive outlook on the state of franchising in New Zealand. Drawing insights from 42 franchisors and 15 service providers. The report highlights both the challenges and opportunities that franchisors anticipate in the year ahead, amidst an evolving economic landscape.

Key Findings

• Improved business confidence. Franchisor confidence in general business conditions surged from a net 26% in 2024 to 62% in 2025, reflecting cautious optimism despite ongoing economic pressures.
• Challenges to development. The most pressing challenges for franchisors included finding suitable franchisees, managing economic and inflationary pressures, securing finance, and addressing rising operating costs. Regulatory challenges and labour shortages also remain significant concerns.
• Opportunities for development. Franchisors saw promising opportunities in franchisee recruitment, economic recovery, operational efficiencies, AI-driven innovations, and multi-unit expansion. Lower interest rates and increased consumer demand are expected to further stimulate growth.
• Sector sentiment: Sentiment varied across sectors, with FMCG, construction, and automotive showing positivity, while retail and hospitality continue to face cost pressures. Health, fitness, and professional services express cautious optimism, buoyed by expected economic recovery.
• Emerging trends: Digital transformation (87%), economic pressures (73%), and workforce challenges (60%) were identified as the most impactful long-term trends shaping the franchising landscape over the next 5-10 years.

Outlook for 2025

While the franchising sector navigates through economic uncertainties, the outlook remains positive with expectations of growth driven by strategic adaptation, technological advancements, and sector-specific opportunities.

The resilience and innovation demonstrated by New Zealand franchisors position the sector well for sustainable development in the years ahead.

Click below for a copy of the full Franchize Consultants – 2025 New Zealand Franchising Outlook Survey report.

For more information contact:

Dr Callum Floyd
Franchize Consultants (NZ) Ltd
Level 1, 27 Gillies Avenue
Newmarket, Auckland.
Phone: 09 523 3858
Email: callum@franchize.co.nz