Individuals join investment and are optimistic about coffee and drinks.

Coffee and beverages topped the list of the most promising licensed industries this year, followed by Chinese fast food and children's early childhood education, according to a survey released by the China chain Management Association yesterday.

According to the report, the top five preferred formats of franchisees are coffee and beverages, children's early education, budget hotels, food monopoly and vocational skills training. The top five forms of business favored by investors are: coffee and drinks, Chinese fast food, children's early education, convenience stores, car maintenance and beauty.