Global Franchise Issue 10.1

What matters most in 2025? That was the question on everyone’s mind as the franchise community came together in LasVegas for the 2025 Global Franchise Awards , held during the International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention. It was an unforgettable night – not just for the applause and accolades, but for the clarity it gave us about where we’re going. This year’s winners tell a compelling story. From ERA Group’s standout performance across three categories to GoliathTech’s win for Corporate Social Responsibility, the message was clear: innovation, purpose, and resilience are setting today’s benchmarks. Brands with social impact at their core are being recognized in meaningful ways. As GoliathTech’s award shows, sustainability and supporting local communities isn’t just good PR – it’s a driver of long-term value, built into business models from the ground up. We also saw regional strategy take priority over rapid global expansion. City Cave took top honors in Asia Pacific, a win they credited to a slow and steady approach. As they put it: “Crawl, walk, run.” That’s the new growth playbook. The emphasis is shifting from counting units to building a foundation for franchisee success. Digital, meanwhile, is no longer just a support function – it’s front and center. Reshift Media’s third consecutive win highlights the power of digital marketing that’s built specifically for franchises: performance-driven, localized, and deeply strategic. And Michael Seid’s Hall of Fame induction was more than a moment of recognition – it was a reminder of how much value legacy leaders bring in shaping the next chapter of franchising. In addition, this issue features perspectives from international association leaders, including Matt Haller, JayWestbury, Matthias Lehner and Sherry McNeil, on how franchising can best navigate economic pressures and uncertainty. We also shine a spotlight on Asia and Canada – regions full of opportunity for franchise brands ready to think local, act smart, and scale with care. If there’s one thread running through all of this, it’s intentionality. 2025 is not about expansion for expansion’s sake. It’s about growing with purpose, leading with integrity, and creating sustainable businesses that last. Growth with purpose NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: September 2025 The views in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and the details given are believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. However, no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to information or advice given or inferred. Copyright Artichoke Media Ltd. EDITOR Charlotte Smith charlotte.smith@artichokehq.com HEAD OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Rachael Wenham 44 (0) 1323 471291 rachael.wenham@artichokehq.com SENIORACCOUNTMANAGER Matt Gilley 44 (0) 1323 471913 matt.gilley@artichokehq.com SENIORACCOUNTMANAGER Kelly Parris +44 1206 505902 kelly.parris@artichokehq.com ART EDITORS Richard Allen , Sarah Barajas ACCOUNTS Artichokemedialtd@integral2.com PUBLISHERS Joe Carter, Sam Reubin, Richard Stebbing PUBLISHED BY Artichoke Media Ltd Charlotte Smith Editor, Global Franchise charlotte.smith@artichokehq.com @globalfranchise advisor 3 GLOBAL-FRANCHISE.COM Edi tor ’ s Letter