Tariq Farid

CEO and President of Edible Arrangements International Inc.

More About Me...

Tariq Farid is an American entrepreneur and self made business man and the president and CEO of Edible Arrangements International. Tariq Farid is honored by the International Franchise Association as its Entrepreneur of the Year during its 49th annual convention being held in San Diego at Feb. 16,2009

Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements specializes in creating exquisite, hand sculpted, fresh fruit "bouquets”, composed of strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe and honeydew.I am responsible for setting the company's strategic direction and for the licensing of new franchises.

About Netsolace

Netsolace is a technology company that provides groundbreaking technology solutions for the franchise industry.


For franchisors seeking the ultimate control over their businesses, both in terms of relationship management and operational efficiency, Netsolace offers a suite of proven software solutions that enables better monitoring, communications and data management at each stage of the franchise lifecycle.

Our comprehensive suite of convenient and flexible web-based applications can be accessed from anywhere. They are designed to support both the franchisor and franchisee business needs and provide real time information for comprehensive data analysis and management reporting.To see how we can help you, please review our site or contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions and demonstrate how our solutions can help your business and its bottom line.

Web based Franchise Operating System

The Socket Franchise Operating System revolutionizes franchise management. Imagine being able to monitor and, more importantly, control every aspect of your business in real-time. Socket literally puts that power at your fingertips.

What’s more, Socket is fully customizable to the specific needs of your business. It was designed to be scalable so it will grow as your business grows. Socket simplifies the nature of running the franchisor business model whether you’ve got one unit or thousands.

Suddenly data collection, corporate communications, administration, new store management, lead management, compliance, and marketing management work seamlessly to provide you with the information you need when and where you need it. Socket can be fully integrated with your POS system. And it includes a Helpdesk module that allows you to track and retain a history of all your dealings with your franchisees. This module in and of itself will enhance your efficiency by several factors.

My Biography

Tariq Farid is founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Edible Arrangements International, Inc. (“EAI”), the industry leader in providing high quality, artistically designed fresh fruit arrangements. Tariq is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and for the licensing of new franchises across the United States and internationally.


Tariq launched the first Edible Arrangements® store in 1999 in East Haven, Connecticut. He was inspired by the convergence of three trends: Americans' growing consumption of fresh fruit, the robust growth in the specialty food market and the increasing amount of money Americans were spending on gifts. Edible Arrangements® was named one of America’s fastest-growing privately held businesses in America by Inc. magazine and one of the top franchise systems in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500. Tariq has four pending U.S. patents for proprietary fruit-cutting equipment that he designed.


As a teenager, Tariq worked in a local McDonald's for several years and it was here that he learned the power of business systemization. His entrepreneurial experience began in the late 1980s, when, at age 17, he used a $5,000 loan from his parents to purchase a local flower shop. Within two years, Tariq was operating four highly successful stores.


The first Edible Arrangements® franchise opened in 2001 in Waltham, Massachusetts. In ten short years, Edible Arrangements ® has grown to over 800 stores located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other international markets. Tariq’s involvement with franchisees has been a hallmark of the Edible Arrangements® franchise success story. He still spends time in the corporate store in North Haven, CT to stay in regular contact with customers, and to understand the day-to-day realities of running a retail store in an ever-changing marketplace and travels the county visiting stores and conducting “Owner’s Meetings.”


In 2006, Tariq launched Frutation by Edible Arrangements®. Frutation® is an all natural fruit station for consumers who are on the go. The menu includes a variety of delicious fruit treats that are made fresh right in front of the customer, such as Fruithy® (fresh fruit smoothies), fresh juices, fruit salads, Frusala® (spiced fruit salads), fruit sundaes and chocolate dipped fruit. Products are made from a combination of fresh fruit and other all natural ingredients. This concept is currently growing throughout the United States and internationally in high traffic shopping malls and other major metropolitan areas.


A self-taught computer whiz, Tariq designed all the computer systems that franchisees use in their day-to-day operation, including order processing, training manuals, production and profitability tracking, and supply chain management. In 2001, he founded Netsolace, Inc., located in Hamden, Connecticut. Netsolace is a computer software distributor for the franchise industry.

Tariq Farid was born in Pakistan in 1969 and immigrated to the United States at age 11. He grew up in West Haven, Connecticut and became a U.S. citizen in 1986. He developed the Salma K Farid Academy, a non-profit learning and community center, to honor the wishes of his late mother whom he credits as the inspiration for his success, and the Salma K Farid Foundation to provide for those in need
4/29/09

Contact Tariq

Contact Info: (Edible Arrangements corporate office)


Edible Arrangements Corporate Office
95 Barnes Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-774-8000

Interview with FOX Business Network

Edible Arrangements® Growth

Edible Arrangements continues to expand throughout the United States, Canada, UnitedKingdom, Puerto Rico, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

Growth in Puerto RicoIn 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.

Growth in United StatesEdible

Arrangements 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.

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.
Growth in United KingdomWith 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.

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.
New Product Development
To meet consumer demand for unique product offerings, Edible Arrangements has a team dedicated towards research and design. Once a new creation has passed our detailed testing process, we launch it to the franchise system. As an owner, you would receive a complete launch kit with all the operations, marketing and technology information required for a successful introduction.

The Edible Arrangements® Story

The Edible Arrangements concept was first launched in East Haven, CT in 1999. The company began franchising in 2001 in Massachusetts with additional stores quickly following in Connecticut, Georgia and New Jersey. Today there are over 850 locations operating or coming soon throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Qatar.Edible Arrangements stores specialize in designing fresh fruit bouquets overflowing with juicy strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, 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.

In 2006 Edible Arrangements 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 consumers who want 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.

Edible Arrangements continues to expand internationally and invites qualified prospects to consider our franchise system. Edible Arrangements incorporates three of the fastest growing industries - fresh fruit, specialty foods and gift giving!




Edible Arrangements® Growth
Edible Arrangements continues to expand throughout the United States, Canada, UnitedKingdom, Puerto Rico, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
Growth in Puerto RicoIn 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.

Growth in United StatesEdible

Arrangements 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.

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.
Growth in United KingdomWith 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.

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.
New Product Development
To meet consumer demand for unique product offerings, Edible Arrangements has a team dedicated towards research and design. Once a new creation has passed our detailed testing process, we launch it to the franchise system. As an owner, you would receive a complete launch kit with all the operations, marketing and technology information required for a successful introduction.