Tariq Farid is an American entrepreneur and self made business man and the president and CEO of Edible Arrangements International, which specializes in creating exquisite, hand-sculpted, fresh fruit "bouquets”, composed of strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe and honeydew. He is responsible for setting the company's strategic direction and for the licensing of new franchises across the U.S. and internationally. And finally Edible Arrangements President and CEO Tariq Farid will be honored by the International Franchise Association as its Entrepreneur of the Year during its 49th annual convention being held in San Diego at Feb. 16.
1: Early Life
Mr. Farid's entrepreneurial experience began in the late 1980s, when with a $5,000 cash advance from his parents; he purchased a local flower shop at age 17. Within two years, Mr. Farid was operating four highly successful stores. As a teenager, Mr. Farid worked in a local McDonald's for several years and learned the power of business systemization.
2: EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS
Mr. Farid launched the first Edible Arrangements store in 1999 in East Haven, Conn., inspired by the convergence of three trends: Americans' growing consumption of fresh fruit, the robust growth in the specialty food market and the increasing dollars Americans were spending on gifts. A self-taught computer whiz, Mr. Farid designed all the systems that would be rolled out to franchisees, including their computer systems, training manuals, production and profitability tracking, supply chain management, etc. He has two U.S. patents pending for proprietary fruit-cutting machines and one patent for a fruit skewer that he designed.
3: ACHIEVEMENTS
The first Edible Arrangements franchise opened in 2001; the current total is now over 850 stores. Growth continues unabated, with an average of 25 franchise signings a month. Mr. Tariq Farid's involvement with franchisees has been very hands on, including laying floors and helping with the painting of stores. He still spends about two hours daily in the corporate store in Hamden, Conn., to stay in regular contact with customers, the day-to-day realities of running a retail store and the marketplace's changing demands.
3.1: Uniqueness
Mr. Farid projected a unique idea of displaying fruits arrangements in a beautiful manner. Edible Arrangements stores specialize in designing fresh fruit bouquets overflowing with juicy strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, and cantaloupe and honeydew hand sculpted to look like flowers. Arrangements are guaranteed fresh and are available in a variety of styles and sizes. They are perfect for any occasion from happy birthday, thank you, congratulations and sympathy to business events, client gifts and employee appreciation.
3.2: Developments
Mr. Farid continues to expand all over the world like United State, Canada, United kingdom, Puerto Rico and United Arab Emirates etc.
3.2.1: Growth in United States
Mr. Farid launched in Connecticut in 1999 and has been blossoming ever since. Stores continue to expand throughout the United States opening about five stores a week. The demand for creative gift-giving and unique bouquets for special occasions has led to store presence in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
3.2.2 Growth in Canada
Canada continues to see the growth of Edible Arrangements in three provinces; Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. That number is continuing to grow especially as the Edible Arrangements French website was launched in late 2006, allowing Edible Arrangements to accommodate many French-Canadian customers.
3.2.3 Growth in United Kingdom
With the entire country’s focus on the importance of fitness and healthy eating Edible Arrangements couldn’t have entered the United Kingdom at a better time. In early 2006 Edible Arrangements went overseas to Nottingham, UK and two more stores signed on in 2006 in Manchester, UK and Birmingham, West Midlands. With the gift-giving trend on the rise and the emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, Edible Arrangements stores will continue to expand, and continue to make customers smile.
3.2.4 Growth in United Arab Emirates
The steady growth of the U.A.E. has been identified by its ambitious real estate projects, world class sporting events, and a lucrative tourism industry. With fresh ideas and products, Edible Arrangements is a perfect complement to the growth and prosperity seen in this part of the world, and the ideal way to cool down the desert heat. The first Edible Arrangements locations opened in Dubai in December of 2007.
3.2.5 Growth in Puerto Rico
In a culture that values the importance of family and great food the Edible Arrangements concept has been accepted with open arms in Puerto Rico. After the San Juan, Puerto Rico location opened their doors in 2005, residents of the island have been spotting the fruit arrangements everywhere; from local festivals and family gatherings to holiday tables and quinceaneras. With the launch of the Spanish website, a second store open in Caguas and a third coming soon to Bayamon, Edible Arrangements is taking off.
4: NEWBRAND
In 2006 Mr. Farid launched Frutation®, a new concept that will take fresh fruit products to the next level. Frutation® is an all natural fruit station with a product collection that targets consumer who wants a fresh and delicious treat on the go. The menu includes a variety of items such as Fruithy™ (all natural fresh fruit smoothies), fresh juices, fruit salads, spiced fruit salads, fruit sundaes and dipped fruit. The concept provides a unique and healthy option and is built upon the reputation of Edible Arrangements which is known for product quality, novelty and excellent service.
