US ‘fruit florist’ opens in Beijing

A unique concept selling fresh fruit arrangements founded in the US has expanded into China, opening its first store at Beijing in the new Galleria Shopping Center at ShuguangXili, Chaoyang District.

The Edible Arrangements store was opened by master franchisees Jianyi “Jack” Wang and Zhigang Liu.

“It was an honor to be present for the grand opening ceremony that Jack and Liu have been diligently planning to properly introduce the Chinese community to the Edible Arrangements brand,” said Tariq Farid, CEO and founder of Connecticut-based Edible Arrangements.

“Their experience, coupled with their passion for our healthy, fresh fruit products, has made them great ambassadors and we are eager for their other locations to open over the next several years. Growing our international presence has been a focal point for the brand, and opening in one of the world’s most populous cities and fastest growing major economies marks a significant milestone for us.”

Earlier this year Wang and Zhigang signed a master franchise agreement to develop 40 stores throughout China over the next five years. Their second location in Beijing is slated to open within the next few months.

Natives of China, Wang and Zhigang have extensive experience in the wholesale fruit industry. Zhigang is owner and Wang is VP 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, New York.

“We are thrilled to be part of an internationally growing brand, and are excited to have opened our doors in time for the 2011 holiday season,” said Wang. “The gift giving industry in China is growing fast, and we have a new holiday to celebrate about every month.

“We strongly believe our fresh fruit arrangements will provide a healthier, unique alternative. Fruit has a universal appeal and we see tremendous opportunity for success and growth in China in the years to come.”

Since Edible Arrangements’ founding 12 years ago, the fresh fruit retailer has grown to 1098 locations in 15 countries worldwide.

An individual Edible Arrangements franchise costs between US$148,000 and $286,000.

Brothers Tariq and Kamran Farid developed and launched Edible Arrangements in 1999 in East Haven after many years in the floral industry. Outside the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, stores are located in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong, Jordan, Oman, India and now China.

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