Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements are the creators and leaders of fresh fruit bouquets. They specialise in creating spectacular designs using the freshest and best fruit available to them. Stores are locally owned and operated and so blend in with the local culture of their area. Edible Arrangements one main goal is to Wow and amaze people with their ability to create these spectacular bouquets.

Tariq Farid, the founder of Edible Arrangements, was inspired to work with fruit shortly after he bought a flower shop at sixteen years old and opened it as Farid’s Flowers. This soon sparked an interest in all things natural and a love of fruit followed. In 1999, he opened the first Edible Arrangements store. A man named Chris Dellamarggio was amazed by the gorgeous bouquets and encouraged Farid to start the franchise which he did. One year later the first franchise was opened in Massachusetts. By 2003 it had reached Canada and onward and upward it went. In 2009 Grab and Go smoothies were invented and the line Edible Go was initiated serving smoothies, treats and chocolate covered fruits etc.

The Franchise System

The company continued to expand and grow. Today, it has over 1300 franchise locations across the world. With so much innovation and creativity required to make the fruit bouquets training for new franchisees is important so they can master the art.

The franchisor provides two weeks of hands-on training for all new franchisees and managers at Edible University at headquarters. The field business leader that worked with you during the two week training travels with you back to the new store where they provide help to the new franchisee as they prepare and carry out their Grand Opening. Learning and training doesn’t quite stop there with as e-learning allows for continuous development at any time. On the road training and other training events are scheduled throughout the year too.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Edible Arrangements run a program called Edible Cares which encouraged health and happiness in people. The company wants to do good by people and give back to their customers. In 2005 they made connections with Breast Cancer Awareness in the States and created a special collection in honour of breast cancer. 10% of sales from this collection went to the foundation. The same connections were made with Canada’s cancer society.

In 2013, Edible cares launched a programme called Hero’s Welcome which trains veterans to become edible arrangements franchisees.

Fundraising can also be done through Edible Arrangements. Sell a fundraiser ticket and a chocolate dipped fruits box is donated to the fundraiser.

The Tariq Farid Foundation

The founder of Edible Arrangements is a great believer in giving something back and so he set up this foundation to provide support for people around the world. The foundation aims to alleviate suffering by providing basic primary needs such as food, shelter and health care. It also aims to develop education as a means for people to build themselves a different way of life.

News

In 2017 Edible Arrangements was ranked Entrepreneur’s number forty two on their list of top 500 franchises.

In 2016 the company was awarded the Spirit of Franchising award at The Franchising Gives Back awards ran by The International Franchise Association, for their Edible Cares Program.

Also in 2016, as a way of developing the company further and creating a better customer service, Edible Arrangements launched an app allowing people to make orders and pay in a way that is quicker and easier.

Sources
https://www.ediblearrangements.com/
http://tariqfaridfoundation.org/
https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/ediblearrangementsintlllc/299915