News

Edible Arrangements signs master franchise agreement in China

August 1, 2011

Edible Arrangements has signed a master franchisee agreement with brothers Jianyi "Jack" Wang and Zhigang Liu for the development of 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.

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, N.Y., and thought 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 Arrangement Inc. "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."

Edible Arrangements, formed 12 years ago, now includes nearly 1,000 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 part of that strategy, the company recently launched a quick-service concept called Edible To Go, with a menu that includes fruit salads, smoothies, parfaits and more.

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