Edible Arrangements Franchise Announces Strong Growth in First Half of 2010

By: Edible® | 4 Shares 107 Reads

Company Launches New Store Design and Offering; Revamps Website as Part of Its Recent Success

WALLINGFORD, CT - (Marketwire) - Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements, announced today significant progress with its expansion efforts during the first half of 2010. The company opened 48 new locations and signed 71 new development commitments including a 20 unit agreement in the Republic of India. Currently, Edible Arrangements has 974 locations and is now available to consumers in 10 countries outside the United States and Puerto Rico.

Most recently, the company unveiled its new store design, which will be the model for all future franchise stores going forward. These stores will provide Edible Arrangements' renowned real-fruit bouquets while also offering Frutation® products: grab-and-go fresh fruit hand dipped in chocolate, and a variety of fresh fruit salads, sundaes, juices and smoothies.

"Our original goal was to have 1,000 units by the end of 2010, so we are very pleased with the progress we've achieved in the first half of the year," said Tariq Farid, Founder and CEO, Edible Arrangements International, Inc. "We're also excited to see our development strategy come to fruition with the launch of our new store model. We are focusing our efforts on opening locations in high-traffic, pedestrian-friendly areas to make it easy for customers to stop in for a last minute fruit arrangement, fresh fruit snack or smoothie."

In addition to its strong franchise sales growth, Edible Arrangements also re-launched its website, www.ediblearrangments.com, to better reflect the company's brand messaging and promote the ease of use for consumers and franchisees. Website transactions are up 35 percent from last year and the company has experienced a 14.6 percent higher conversion rate since the launch of the new digital storefront.

As part of its aggressive growth strategy, Edible Arrangements is still seeking to add several new development agreements in the Pacific Northwest, California and other areas of the United States, while also expanding its presence internationally. Individuals seeking to own and operate an individual Edible Arrangements franchise should possess a minimum liquidity of $60,000 and the ability to invest approximately $147,000 - $261,000. Multi-unit store development plans, international master franchisee licenses and financing options are also available for qualified applicants.

Interested parties are invited to attend a complimentary webinar on September 14 at 2 p.m. to learn about the freshest idea in franchising.

"Edible Arrangements' concept capitalizes on two cutting edge trends -- health consciousness and affordable indulgences. We are looking for single and multi-unit operators to expand our retail concept," said Farid. "With numerous store openings, international deals and our new store model, we've had an exciting first half of 2010 and invite prospects to sign up for our webinar to learn what it takes to become an Edible Arrangements franchisee in your local community."

Tariq Farid, the recipient of two Entrepreneur of the Year awards in 2009 from the International Franchise Association and Ernst & Young in Metro New York, developed and launched Edible Arrangements in 1999 in East Haven, CT, after many years in the floral industry. He learned early that corporate support can make the difference between a struggling or thriving franchise. It is for this reason that Edible Arrangements offers its franchisees comprehensive corporate and onsite level training, unparalleled technology, national brand recognition and extensive support.

Since its inception, Edible Arrangements has earned countless accolades from the franchise industry, including its ranking as first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual "Franchise 500" Ranking for the past five consecutive years and the winner of the ICSC's 2010 Hot Retailer Award. In addition, the company has also ranked for seven consecutive years in Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 fastest growing privately-held companies.

About Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements International, Inc. is the leading purveyor of delicious, high quality, artistically designed, fresh fruit arrangements that are practical and healthy gifts. Founded in 1999 in East Haven, CT. by Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements has been ranked first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual "Franchise 500" Ranking for the past five consecutive years. With over 970 locations operating or opening soon worldwide, Edible Arrangements is rapidly expanding across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong and India.

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