WALLINGFORD, Conn., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh fruit arrangements, announced today the signing of a Master Franchisee agreement with Kemal and Emre Aydin. The brothers plan to develop 15 locations throughout Turkey.
The first location is slated to open in Istanbul in 2010 and the remaining locations will open over the next five years. With this agreement, Edible Arrangements is now available to consumers in nine countries outside of the United States and Puerto Rico.
Emre currently owns one of the largest online florist businesses in Turkey and Kemal has a strong background in information technology. Kemal moved to the Unites States in 1995 and five years later started his own consulting company, Satreno that has locations in the United States, South Africa, Ireland and Turkey. The brothers are now focusing their business attentions on developing Edible Arrangements franchisees in Turkey.
"We are excited to introduce Edible Arrangements to consumers in Turkey and welcome Kemal and Emre into our system," said Tariq Farid, CEO and Founder, Edible Arrangements, Inc. "We see great promise in these cities and know our new master franchisees will be great ambassadors for the brand."
Currently, Edible Arrangements has 900 locations with the goal to reach 1,000 units by 2010. These recent signings are part of an aggressive growth strategy that includes expanding in existing markets and countries while continuing Edible Arrangements domestic growth in California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Philadelphia and New York. In addition to finding qualified new franchisees, the company's growth strategy includes continuing to grow its existing franchise base into enterprise multi-unit operators.
"My wife received an arrangement as a get-well gift and I was taken with the concept of beautifully arranged fruit designs and immediately knew that I wanted to expand this concept to our native country," said Kemal Aydin. "With my brother's experience in the floral industry combined with our expertise in customer service, delivery systems and the gift-giving industry we are prepared and eager to introduce the brand to Turkish market."
Most recently, the company announced the launch of its new "core and station" store enterprise development program and the company's evolution into multi-unit franchising. A central component of the new strategy is Frutation by Edible Arrangements, a grab-and-go concept offering customers fresh-fruit smoothies and juices, fruit and green salads, dipped fruit and a variety of other fresh-fruit products.
Tariq Farid, recently the recipient of two Entrepreneur of the Year awards from the International Franchise Association and Ernst & Young in Metro New York, developed and launched Edible Arrangements in 1999 in East 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 and Frutation 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 individual 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, international master franchisee licenses and financing options are also available for 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 practical and healthy gifts. Founded in 1999 in East 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 913 locations operating or opening soon worldwide, Edible Arrangements is rapidly expanding across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Italy, and Hong Kong. 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.
