WALLINGFORD, Conn., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements, announced today the signing of a Master Franchisee agreement with brothers Jianyi "Jack" Wang and Zhigang Liu for the development of Edible Arrangements stores throughout China.  The first location is expected to open in winter 2012 in Beijing and the brothers plan to open 40 stores in the next five years. With this agreement, Edible Arrangements will be available to consumers in 13 countries outside the United States and Puerto Rico.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110214/MM48238LOGO )

Natives of China, Wang and Liu have extensive experience in the wholesale fruit industry. Liu is owner and Wang is Vice President of Top Chef, a company that grows cherries and produces cherry fillings for a chain of bakeries and others in the food industry. Wang first learned of the Edible Arrangements concept in 2009 when visiting Syracuse, New York. Wang was intrigued by the beautifully designed, fresh fruit arrangements and immediately knew the company would be well received by consumers in China.

"We have put a strong emphasis on international growth this year and are very exited to expand our presence in China," said Tariq Farid, CEO and Founder, Edible Arrangements, Inc.  "As US–China relations continue to progress, economic opportunities for both countries are opening up.  We are confident that Jack's experience, coupled with his passion for our healthy, fresh fruit products, will make him a great ambassador for our brand. We look forward to the opening of China's first Edible Arrangements in Beijing."

Since founding Edible Arrangements just 12 years ago, the fresh fruit retailer has grown to nearly 1000 locations in 13 countries worldwide. In May 2011, the company launched an aggressive growth strategy with the goal of opening 150 new locations in 2011, and 200 additional locations in 2012.

"As soon as my wife and I saw our first Edible Arrangements bouquet, we knew this product would be embraced by consumers in China," said Wang. "The gift giving industry in China is growing fast and we have a new holiday to celebrate about every month. We strongly believe our fresh fruit arrangements will provide a healthier, unique alternative to traditional, old-fashioned flowers and processed cakes."

Validating Edible Arrangements fruit expertise, heritage and leadership position, is the amount of fruit used to build its arrangements each year.  This year alone, Edible Arrangements projects it will use more than 100 million strawberries, 3.5 million pineapples and 5.5 million melons to create the company's extensive array of fresh fruit arrangements to fulfill customers' orders.  

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, 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 a minimum liquidity of $60,000 and 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, and Jordan.  Customers may order arrangements by telephone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT, at one of the company's retail stores, or on-line at ediblearrangements.com.

All franchise offerings are made only by Franchise Disclosure Document.

Media Contact:
Jenna Kantrowitz
Fish Consulting
646.454.9708
jkantrowitz@fish-consulting.com

SOURCE Edible Arrangements