Edible Arrangements Announces Italy Expansion Plans

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, announced today that Dr. Fausto Petruzziello, MD, has secured the rights to develop Edible Arrangements stores throughout Italy. Petruzziello, the Master Franchisee for the Province of Rome since 2009, plans on opening the first Edible Arrangements location outside of Rome in Varese (Milan area) within two months and at least 30 stores over the next five years. All of the locations will carry the Edible To Go® extended product line that includes fruit sundaes, smoothies, parfaits, and natural, fresh-squeezed fruit beverages.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120222/NY57382LOGO ) 

A native of Italy, Petruzziello's team has already opened three Edible Arrangements stores in Rome with a fourth ready to open its doors in the next few days. Despite the challenging economic climate in Europe, Petruzziello has been successful in establishing the brand and ensuring its success in Italy. When not overseas managing the business, he is a full-time physician in the New Haven, Connecticut area, an assistant professor of Medicine at Yale University, and heads a professional, skilled and dedicated corporate management team operating in both Italy and the United States.

"Edible Arrangements has been greatly received in Rome, even in these hard economic times, and we are thrilled to be opening in the Milan area, the country's business capital, and other regions across Italy," said Petruzziello. "Upon first learning about the beautifully designed, fresh fruit arrangements I knew the business could easily be adapted to Italian culture, tastes and holidays. We look forward to expanding the brand so that more communities across Italy can enjoy a healthier, unique alternative to traditional gifts."

Earlier this month, Edible Arrangements launched a 2012 aggressive development strategy to sign 185 new franchise agreements and open 125 total new stores, including 18 international units. Currently, the brand has grown to over 1,100 locations in 15 countries worldwide.

"We admire the incredible contributions Fausto has made to the Edible Arrangements brand in just two years of operation and could not be more excited for his continued expansion in Italy," said Kamran Farid, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Edible Arrangements, Inc. "Constant business flow from foot traffic and a love for fresh fruit, combined with Fausto's passion for our products and business acumen, have made Edible Arrangements incredibly successful in Rome."

Edible Arrangements has earned countless honors from the franchise industry since its inception, including its ranking as first in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual "Franchise 500" Ranking for the past five consecutive years and also placing in Entrepreneur's top 40 of "Fastest Growing Franchises" and "America's Top Global Franchises." Edible Arrangements was the winner of the ICSC's 2010 Hot Retailer Award and 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 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, Jordan, Oman, India and China. Customers may order arrangements by telephone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT, at one of the company's retail stores, or online at ediblearrangements.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Rich
Fish Consulting
954.893.9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Edible Arrangements

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