Greece is an advanced market, with a dynamic, evolving Franchising sector, offering significant opportunities for the development of international chains. The country hosts one of the most important franchising exhibitions in the world.

Participation in the KEM World Franchise Exhibition, one of the top franchising exhibitions in the world, will guarantee success in your plans for development of your franchise in Greece. The Exhibition will take place from the 20th until the 23rd of February 2009 in Athens, for the 11th consecutive year and it is organized by KEM - Exhibitions & Trade Shows S.A.

Currently the total number of franchise stores operating in the Greek market is 16.996, with Greece achieving the highest rate of self-employed people across Europe (36.3%). It is worth noting that the Greek Franchising industry enjoys one of the highest annual growth rates within the E.U.

An interesting aspect in the Franchising industry in Greece is that 30.2% of franchise chains are international concepts, developing successful operations in the country. Also, 19.73% of all investors are interested in acquiring a Master Franchise from an international franchise chain.

Specifically, in 2006 1.509 new ventures went into business, while in 2007 this figure rose to 2.118 new ventures, thus showing an increase of 40.35%. In 2007 the number of franchise chains reached 596, 180 of which are international brands, while it is estimated that by the end of 2008 this number will have reached 650. In total, the Greek Franchising industry employs more than 100.000 individuals.

KEM 2009 is expected to attract a record number both of participants and visitors.

Last year's Exhibition was visited by more than 18.000 individuals from 30 countries (Cyprus, Spain, France, G. Britain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, Latvia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, USA, Canada, Uruguay, Brazil, Singapore, Mexico, S. Africa, Egypt, Turkey, India, Malaysia, Australia), while it hosted more than 200 concepts, 60 out of which were from the international market, representing 17 countries (Greece, Cyprus, B. Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, Latvia, USA, Canada, Uruguay, Brazil and Singapore).

This year, the number of visitors is expected to increase due to the growing number of exhibitors and the variety of concepts they will have the chance to explore. The increased exhibitor attendance in KEM 2009 will provide visitors with multiple concept options to choose from.

The 11th KEM World Franchise Exhibition (20-23 February 2009) will be held at the Exhibition & Conference Centre of Attica in Athens. The 11th KEM World Franchise Exhibition is organized under the auspices of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce, the Franchise Association of Greece, the European Franchise Federation (EFF) and the World Franchise Council (WFC) and has already attracted a large number of exhibitors both from Greece and abroad.