Franchise Information, advice and news.

Fast food is still exceptionally popular in the US and the UK, despite each country's government attempting to encourage healthier eating and help cut the risk of obesity and resulting diseases.

People on the move are much more inclined to dive into one of the thousands of fast food stores, stands and restaurants than attempt a sit-down meal, meaning this kind of eating and drinking practice is highly detrimental to consumers' health due to the increased levels of fat, salt and sugar generally found in such foods.

However, healthy eating, an active lifestyle and fast food are not necessarily incompatible. Smoothies and fresh juice stores are a prime example of how the modern-day consumer can keep up with their hectic life, grab a nutritious snack, and hurtle on their way, without having to count the calories and feel guilty for not hitting their five-a-day target.

Smoothies – most often a blend of milk, fresh fruit, juices and ice-cream – have proved to be a huge hit for consumers over recent years, with sales in the US hitting more than $2 billion last year. And after a five-year boom and an increase in sales of more than 80 per cent, there seems to be little slowing the market.

However, although not reaching saturation point, the market is becoming quickly endowed with hundreds of smoothie chains – many of them franchises. And this means that anybody looking at the sector for a business or personal investment needs to consider the future growth and expansion areas the market will move into.

David Lockwood, director of Mintel Reports, explained: "Now that the smoothie market is a proven success, companies are being pushed to the next level - extreme differentiation."

"Similar to the coffee market, smoothie companies need to continue developing innovative flavours and additives to keep consumers engaged in the market, but also should consider expanding the menu as some chains have done with sandwiches or coffee."

Of course, this differentiation in products will allow customers more choice and therefore increase revenue, which is something a potential franchisee needs to consider.

The smoothie franchising market is so diverse, there are huge opportunities at all levels for franchisees to get involved, with initial franchising investments starting at around $85,000 and moving up to $375,000. For this, franchisees will normally provide training, support and guidance, including access to the franchiser's expertise and materials for site selection and store leasing, construction, purchasing, store supervision, quality control, and advertising and promotions.

Anybody aiming to take advantage of the current strength of the market is advised to research the area thoroughly, as well as making sure their financial situation is well calculated and advised.

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