WALLINGFORD, Conn., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, announces the addition of Stern Advertising of Cleveland, OH as its national creative agency. Stern will be a part of the team that develops strategic marketing plans, and delivers the communications that execute those plans. Stern's scope of work will include a new national advertising campaign for television, online and print.  Hot Dish Advertising, of Minneapolis, MN will continue as Edible Arrangements' regional advertising agency handling advertising for co-ops along with franchise development marketing.

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"We have been fortunate to experience double digit growth over the past several years, but now is the time to make a true quantum leap forward as the clear leader in our category. To accomplish that objective, we felt we needed to really evolve our creative efforts.  We are excited to partner with Stern to further our leadership in the US and internationally.  Their experience and creativity are well suited to our growth strategy for the coming year and beyond," said Steve Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer for Edible Arrangements, International.    

Stern Advertising is a full-service advertising and online marketing agency based in Cleveland, Ohio that has been creating successful, memorable advertising since 1954. Helping small and mid-size companies grow into large nationally recognized companies, Stern helps build strong brands while never forgetting the main objective of selling.

"Edible Arrangements has experienced impressive growth since its founding 12 years ago," says William Stern, President / CEO of Stern Advertising. "We are thrilled to be partnering with this dynamic company, and look forward to helping them with their branding efforts and new advertising which will position them for sustained growth and success."

Edible Arrangements has grown to 1,098 locations in 15 countries worldwide. The company has earned countless honors from the franchise industry since its inception, including its ranking as first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual "Franchise 500" Ranking for the past five consecutive years and also placing in Entrepreneur's top 40 of "Fastest Growing Franchises" and "America's Top Global Franchises."  Edible Arrangements was the winner of the ICSC's 2010 Hot Retailer Award and the company has also ranked for seven consecutive years in Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 fastest growing privately-held companies, ranked ninth on Forbes "2011 Top Franchises to Start for the Money" and was recently named one of Inc's "10 Promising Franchises for 2011."

Individuals seeking to own and operate an individual Edible Arrangements franchise should possess the ability to invest approximately $148,000 to $286,000.  Multi-unit store development plans and financing options are also available for qualified applicants. Edible Arrangements offers its franchisees comprehensive corporate and onsite training, unparalleled technology, daily store support and national brand recognition marketing programs.

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 and centerpieces for everyday occasions and events. Brothers Tariq and Kamran Farid developed and launched the company in 1999 in East Haven, CT, after many years in the floral industry. Edible Arrangements stores are located in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong, Jordan, Oman, India and China.  Customers may order arrangements by telephone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT, at one of the company's retail stores, or online at ediblearrangements.com.

All franchise offerings are made only by Franchise Disclosure Document.

About Stern Advertising
Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Pepper Pike, Ohio, Stern has offices in Pittsburgh, PA; Buffalo and Syracuse, NY and Wichita, KS. The agency offers strategic marketing, advertising and public relations services.  Stern is currently the Agency of Record for Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, McDonald's Restaurants, The Collection Auto Group, Champion Windows, Akzo Nobel, Third Federal Bank, Southwest General Hospital and Gentle Dental, among others.

Media Contacts:
Jeff Alexander
203-774-8233
jalexander@ediblearrangements.com

Cortnie Redington, Stern PR
216.464.4850 x 3073
cortnieredington@sternadvertising.com

SOURCE Edible Arrangements