Edible Arrangements Experiences Double Digit Franchise Sales Growth In 2009

WALLINGFORD, Conn., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements, is rapidly expanding its national footprint with today's announcement that the company has experienced double-digit growth since January 2009, including the addition of 28 new franchises in 13 states coast-to-coast includingFlorida,New York,Texas,Missouri,Michigan,Massachusetts, andCalifornia, among others.

In addition to its strong franchise sales growth, Edible Arrangements also recorded a 19 percent increase in same-store sales in the U.S. over Father's Day week compared to the same period last year. Locations inCanada benefitted from a same-store sales increase of 27 percent.

Currently, Edible Arrangements has 887 locations with the goal to have 1,000 units by year 2010, which is part of an aggressive growth strategy that includes expanding in existing markets while continuing its growth in emerging markets such asCalifornia,Texas,Arizona,Florida,Salt Lake City,Pittsburgh,Seattle,Philadelphia andNew York. In addition to finding qualified new franchisees, the company's growth strategy includes growing its existing franchise base into enterprise multi-unit operators. Of the locations sold above, 16 were purchased by existing franchisees.

"We've built a solid franchise system over the last 10 years by giving our franchisees the necessary tools, training and equipment to ensure success," said Tariq Farid, Founder and CEO, Edible Arrangements, Inc. "Even in a down economy, our company continues to grow and prove its universal and widespread appeal."

Recently the recipient of the International Franchise Association's "Entrepreneur of the Year Award," Farid developed and launched Edible Arrangements in 1999 inEast 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.

The company's proprietary technology platform and point-of-sale system is the critical backbone of each Edible Arrangements' store, where franchisees have 24/7 access to its "industry leading" on-line support system.

Technology also assists in the development of the proprietary tools used to design arrangements, which enhances the product's look and increases profit margins. The company has developed a fully integrated national marketing program focusing on television, magazine and online advertising.

Since its inception, Edible Arrangements has earned countless accolades from the industry, including its ranking as first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual "Franchise 500" Ranking in 2007, 2008, 2009, as well as one of the magazine's "HOT 100" franchises in 2008. In addition, the company has ranked for three consecutive years in Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 fastest growing privately-held companies and AllBusiness.com ranked Edible Arrangements as 23rd in overall growth and 65th in system size due to a doubling of units since 2006.

Individuals seeking to own and operate an Edible Arrangements' franchise should posses a minimum liquidity of $50,000 and the ability to invest approximately $154,920 - $298,005. Multi-unit store networks are also available for qualified applicants. Financing options are available to qualified applicants. For more information, please visit www.eafranchise.com or call 888.727.4258.

About Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements International, Inc., is the leading purveyor of delicious, high quality, artistically designed, fresh fruit arrangements that are a practical and healthy gift. Founded in 1999 inEast Haven, CT. by Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements earned the 27th spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's "2008 Hot 100 List of Fastest-Growing Businesses in America." With nearly 900 operating locations worldwide, Edible Arrangements is rapidly expanding acrossthe United States,Canada,Puerto Rico, theUnited Kingdom,Italy and throughout theUnited Arab Emirates. Customers may order arrangements by telephone 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.

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SOURCE Edible Arrangements International, Inc.

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