Using the system has a boost effect

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2026/04

New consumer logic

Géza Tóth
CEO
CO-OP Hungary

“At the beginning of 2026 the Hungarian retail franchise market is influenced by a number of specific factors, among which price regulation (especially the margin freeze), inflation, labour shortage, and other economic elements stand out. Overall, these factors will result in cautious growth, but they will increase uncertainty, especially for franchise chains”,

analyses Géza Tóth, the CEO of Co-op Hungary Zrt.

The success of the Hungarian retail franchise market increasingly depends on the integration of global trends and the local economic environment. The market is expected to grow, with retail sales expanding by 2-3% annually.

Zoltán Novák
CEO
Pek-Snack

“The domestic franchise market is undergoing a qualitative transformation phase in 2026. Convenience is playing an important role in consumer decisions”,

explains Zoltán Novák, the CEO of Pek Snack.

The franchise model is an effective and scalable response to these expectations, especially when we are talking not just about product sales, but about a complete operating framework. In terms of growth, it is no longer the size of the network that is decisive, but its adaptability.

Fodor Attila
communications director
CBA

“Franchise networks operating on the grocery retail market have perhaps never played as big a role as they do today. We firmly believe that in the current market environment it is almost impossible for independent retailers (not affiliated with a network) to remain viable”,

argues Attila Fodor, communications director of CBA Kereskedelmi Kft.

Stable partnership

Márk Maczelka
head of communications
SPAR

“Our franchise programme is primarily aimed at experienced retailers and family businesses. We are convinced that our partners are key to the success of the system. We strive to ensure that our partners can operate in a stable, transparent, and sustainable business environment”,

emphasises Márk Maczelka, SPAR’s head of communications.

Éva Gila
marketing manager
PlusMarket (Dél-100)

Éva Gila, marketing manager of PlusMarket (Dél-100):

“Our partners say being part of a franchise is a good thing. The know-how accumulated by the parent company and the franchise owner over many years helps partners to successfully overcome any individual or national economic difficulties. The other strength lies in brand building”.

 

Géza Tóth adds that Coop’s franchise model is primarily strengthened and made unique on the market by its Hungarian roots, community cooperative traditions, and nationwide presence – especially in rural areas – with more than 2,000 stores.

Zoltán Novák points out that for franchise partners the Pek-Snack Group model gives not only products, but a complete operating framework: established know-how, standardised equipment, brand building, promotional support, and stable supply.

Protective umbrella and volume

Since CBA’s foundation the chain has considered it very important that those who join the network can retain their autonomy, while receiving the protective umbrella of CBA. They operate a service franchise system, where everything is about supporting the work of members, we learn from Attila Fodor.

Márk Maczelka reports that the SPAR franchise programme continues to be very popular in Hungary, with approximately a dozen stores joining the franchise network each year. One of the biggest strengths of the system is its nationwide logistics coverage: partners can order from a selection of more than 15,000 products.

Éva Gila tells our magazine that in 2026 the PlusMarket network will exceed 60 stores, which also means expanding geographical coverage. Residents of Central and Southeastern Hungary can currently shop in 140 GoodsMarket stores. In the PlusMarket network the drugstore and food offerings built around branded products, as well as the relatively small floor space of the stores, respond precisely to the needs of customers who are looking for the ideal place to shop and save time.