In a three part series, Inside Franchise Business takes a look at some newer brands to keep your eyes peeled for in 2017.

For most people, the New Year represents a time to start afresh. So which brands should you be looking out for in 2017?

Freshii

Brand snapshot: A Canadian health-food favourite, Freshii has been fast-tracked to Australia and headed up by master franchisee Robbie Damjanovic. Freshii first franchised in Canada in 2005, and over the past 11 years has expanded to 20 countries with 300 locations.

The model: Freshii positions itself as the fast fashion of healthy food, following the Zara model. Just as Zara brings the latest runway trends to shoppers, Freshii presents food trends, such as smoothies and breakfast bowls, to its customers around the world at an affordable price point. The cost of a franchise is $280,000 to $350,000 for a turnkey model, depending on the site size. The cost of access to its Freshii University is included, as well as training and support for the grand opening.

Expansion plans: Freshii is opening more than 20 stores throughout Australia this year and next.

Find out more about the healthy fast food sector.

Maggie Moo Music

Brand snapshot: Maggie Moo Music is a children’s services franchise offering interactive music and movement sessions for children and their parents, carers or grandparents. Launched in the UK in 2012, it started franchising in 2014 and now has 160 franchises. The brand has just been brought to Australia by “head farmer” Carolyn Dufton, who formerly owned the Hire for Baby franchise. A master franchisee or “state farmer” has been hired in New South Wales.

The model: Franchisees receive early-learning support, ongoing support from the state or head farmer, and operations and marketing help from the UK. The cost of a franchise starts at $6250 to $8750, depending on the size of a territory, for a three-year term. A further $1000 is required for legal support, starter kit and props.

Expansion plans: Maggie Moo Music has plans to recruit 100 “farmers” throughout Australia in the next two years.

Check out other players in the children’s services sector.

Barbervan

Brand snapshot: The BarberVan is a mobile business providing haircuts and beard grooming at customer-convenient locations. The van has reverse-cycle air-conditioning and an adjustable lay-back barber chair. Franchisor Ep Weatherhead has had more than 25 years’ industry experience in both the UK and Australia, and runs a trial van in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

The model: The BarberVan is a mobile franchise with an exclusive marketing territory. Franchisees receive all leads generated by the main website and other marketing programs, while doing their own local marketing. However, franchisees can take clients and client referrals anywhere outside the territory unless the area has been sold. The BarberVan franchise investment is $30,000 to $35,000, including training, marketing, intellectual property fees and operational support.

Expansion plans: Franchises are now available throughout Australia.

Find out more about the hair and beauty category.