The winners of the Global Franchise Awards 2026 have officially been revealed, celebrating the brands, suppliers, and innovators shaping the future of franchising across the world.
This year’s awards marked an important milestone for the programme, with recognition split across two distinct tracks: the long-standing International Franchise Awards, honouring brands operating across multiple countries, and the newly introduced Single Market Awards, designed to spotlight exceptional franchise systems thriving within a single national market. Together, these awards reflect the full breadth of franchising excellence, from global powerhouses to standout domestic success stories.
The international winners were announced during a special ceremony at the IFA Convention 2026 in Las Vegas, bringing together leading franchisors, suppliers, and industry figures from around the globe to celebrate another remarkable year for the sector.
Celebrating global excellence
The Global Franchise Awards continue to recognise brands that have demonstrated outstanding growth, innovation, and operational excellence across borders. From food and beverage concepts and fitness brands to service-based franchises and industry suppliers, this year’s winners highlight the diversity and strength of the global franchising ecosystem.
Entries were reviewed by an independent panel of respected franchise leaders and association representatives, ensuring that every submission was assessed rigorously and fairly. Judges evaluated nominees on a range of criteria, including brand performance, franchisee support, innovation, and impact on the wider franchise industry.
The competition was particularly strong this year, with finalists representing markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and beyond, underscoring the truly international nature of the awards.
Introducing the Single Market Awards
New for 2026, the Single Market Awards were created to recognise franchises achieving exceptional results within their home countries. While international expansion remains a hallmark of many leading brands, the franchising landscape is also shaped by powerful domestic systems that dominate and innovate within a single market.
These awards shine a spotlight on those businesses, celebrating operational excellence, franchisee success, and strong brand development within individual national markets.
By introducing this new category group, the Global Franchise Awards now provide a more comprehensive view of the industry, recognising both globally scaled brands and those leading the way locally.
A highly competitive shortlist
The winners were selected from a shortlist announced earlier this year, featuring some of the most exciting and high-performing franchise brands operating today. The shortlist highlighted organisations that have demonstrated strong growth, innovative concepts, and outstanding support for their franchise networks over the past 12 months.
Across both award tracks, finalists represented a wide range of sectors, including food and drink, fitness, retail, children’s services, property maintenance, business services, and specialist franchise suppliers. The depth and diversity of entries reflected the continuing strength and resilience of the franchising model worldwide.
Recognising the people behind the brands
Behind every successful franchise system is a network of committed franchisees, support teams, and leadership groups working together to build strong, scalable businesses. The Global Franchise Awards aim not only to recognise brand success but also to celebrate the collaboration, innovation, and dedication that drive the industry forward.
Winning or even being shortlisted offers organisations global recognition, increased credibility, and valuable exposure among investors, suppliers, and prospective franchise partners.
The winners
The complete list of International Franchise Awards 2026 winners and Single Market Awards 2026 winners is now available.
View the full winners list here:
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who continue to raise the bar for franchising worldwide.
