The decade of the 90s in the last century was crucial in shaping today's world. Political, social changes and important technological developments contribute to delineate a very different world and society.

 

It is in that decade when the franchise breaks through successfully in the countries of Ibero-America. While it is true that Brazil was already a world power of this commercial model and that many Ibero-American countries had distinguished themselves as destinations of mostly American franchises, it is in the 90's when the Ibero-American franchises begin to consolidate in their countries and even more beyond its borders.

 

It is also in the 90s when regional organizations are born that bring together franchise associations in a region in order to strengthen the franchise in their corresponding geographical areas. For example, the European Federation, the Asian Federation and, of course, the World Franchise Council (WFC), which brings together franchise associations from all over the world.

 

Latin America was left behind. Thus, during the International Franchise Fair in Valencia, Spain, in October 1996, Juan Manuel Gallástegui, who at that time held the Presidency of the Mexican Franchise Association, proposed the presidents of other franchise associations present in the salon to form a federation that groups together to franchise associations in Latin America.

The idea immediately receives the support of Brazil and Spain and is so that they subscribe to the Declaration of Valencia in which the franchise associations of Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Uruguay commit themselves before the end of 1997 would form the Ibero-American Federation of Franchises (FIAF).