WALLINGFORD, Conn., Dec. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tariq Farid, who created and grew a single Edible Arrangements^® store into the world's largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements and all-natural, fresh fruit snacks and treats, will be named to the IFA Hall of Fame, the Association's highest honor. Farid will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, February 11, 2018 during the IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix.

"It is a tremendous and humbling honor," said Farid. "When I opened the first Edible Arrangements store I never expected that someday there would be locations around the world. Franchising and our remarkable franchisees made that possible and this recognition belongs just as much to them, my family and everyone at the home office that has been so important to our growth over the years."

Established in 1979, the IFA Hall of Fame is the oldest and most prestigious award in the franchising industry and is presented to an IFA member, past or present, who exemplifies excellence in franchising and has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the franchise community. Past recipients include a "Who's Who" of entrepreneurs and business leaders that have built some of the world's most well-known brands, such as fellow Connecticut-based franchisor Fred DeLuca of Subway, inducted in 2004.

An outstanding example of the American Dream, Farid's entrepreneurial career began at an early age. Farid immigrated from Pakistan with his family when he was 11 and worked several jobs growing up. At age 17, with a $5,000 loan from family and friends, Farid purchased a flower shop and within two years he was operating four highly successful stores.

It was during this time that Farid was inspired to begin creating arrangements out of fresh fruit. In1999 he opened the first Edible Arrangements store in East Haven, Conn. Less than two years after opening the store a customer from out of town asked if he had ever thought about franchising. Farid wasn't familiar with the concept but after researching the business model and seeking advice from some of the most well-known names in franchising, he decided it was the best way to grow the business. The first franchise location soon followed, opening in 2001 in Waltham, Mass. and today there are more than 1,300 locations in 11 countries.

"We are honored to induct Tariq into the IFA Hall of Fame," said IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti. "This is a well-deserved award as Tariq has been a strong supporter of franchising over the years and a global leader who has made significant contributions to the growth and sustainability to the franchise business model the U.S. and around the world."

ABOUT EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS^®:
With more than 1,300 franchise locations open or under development worldwide, Edible Arrangements International, LLC is the world's largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements. Edible Arrangements^® store locations also carry the company's rapidly expanding Edible To Go^® line which features all-natural, fresh fruit smoothies, chocolate Dipped Fruit™, Froyo Fruit Blends™, fresh fruit salads, parfaits, and treats. Since its founding in 1999 in East Haven, Conn., the company has been recognized as an industry leader, ranking first in its category in Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500," Entrepreneur's Top 40 of "Fastest Growing Franchises" and "America's Top Global Franchises" as well as being included among the "Inc. 5000" list of the fastest growing privately-held companies. Edible Arrangements^®' fresh fruit arrangements, chocolate Dipped Fruit™, fresh fruit smoothies, and more can be enjoyed at franchise locations worldwide. Gifts can be ordered online at edible.com, by phone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT^®, or through any local Edible Arrangements^® store.

SOURCE Edible Arrangements

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