The $242 billion global gifting industry has entered a transformative era, fueled by evolving consumer behaviors and innovative business strategies. Edible®, with over 25 years of expertise, continues to lead the way as a franchise opportunity by harnessing cutting-edge trends and consumer insights. According to the brand’s “State of the Gifting Industry 2024-2025 Report,” Edible is not just keeping pace with the rapidly shifting market but defining its trajectory. Here's how Edible maintains its position as a trailblazer in the industry.

“As we look to the future, Edible is evolving to meet the needs of a new generation of gifters,” said Somia Farid Silber, Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission has always been to help people celebrate life’s best moments, and now we’re doing that by expanding our product offerings, embracing innovation and enhancing our customer experience. We’re creating connections and bringing Edible into the future by introducing new categories, implementing an array of digital enhancements or reintroducing the in-store experience. This is an exciting time and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of the gifting industry, delivering the creativity and convenience our customers expect.”

Understanding the Gifting Trends of Tomorrow

The “State of the Gifting Industry Report” identifies key trends that are reshaping how consumers approach gifting. These include:

  • "Pro-crastination Nation": In 2024, 77.9% of gift orders were placed within 24 hours of delivery. Edible’s emphasis on same-day and even one-hour delivery ensures customers never miss a special moment, leveraging partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats to meet this growing demand.
  • In-Store Revival Among Gen Z: While online shopping remains dominant, 30% of Gen Z prefer brick-and-mortar experiences, a trend that has grown by over 10% post-pandemic. Edible’s NextGen stores will cater directly to this demographic with technology-forward, customer-centric designs.
  • The Distance Dilemma: As Americans increasingly gift across greater distances (a 22% increase in gifting radius over five years), Edible’s extensive network of hundreds of locally owned locations and delivery reach to the vast majority of U.S. households within one hour makes it the ultimate solution for long-distance gifting.
  • Everyday Gifting Boom: With one in four gifts in 2024 being “just because,” spontaneous gifting is becoming the norm. Edible’s wide array of personalized and gourmet offerings ensures it remains top-of-mind for these unplanned moments of celebration.

Multiple Revenue Streams for Franchisees

Edible’s diversified revenue model makes it a standout in the franchising space. Franchisees can capitalize on four unique streams:

  1. Retail: Brick-and-mortar locations support in-store purchases and same-day pick-up options.
  2. E-Commerce: An intuitive online platform streamlines the customer experience while driving orders to local franchises.
  3. Delivery: Edible’s advanced logistics enable rapid delivery, including partnerships with third-party apps.
  4. Catering: From dessert boards to extra-large arrangements, Edible caters to a variety of events, offering franchisees additional revenue potential.

"Delivery and convenience are key pillars of our growth strategy," said Mark Mele, chief development officer. “As we expand our footprint and enhance our delivery capabilities, we’re making it easier than ever for our customers to send and receive gifts in record time. Edible is leading the way in making convenience and speed a standard in the gifting industry.”

Innovation at the Core

Edible’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continuously evolving product lines and customer experience enhancements. While the brand initially gained fame for its signature fruit bouquets, it has since expanded into a wide array of products that cater to various occasions and preferences. From baked goods and flowers to dessert boards and non-alcoholic beverages, Edible’s product range is designed to appeal to both corporate clients and individual consumers alike.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Edible,” said Angela Johnson, chief innovation officer. “From expanding our product lines to introducing new, on-trend flavors and concepts, we focus on delivering our customers the freshest and most unique experiences. We aim to constantly surprise and delight, keeping Edible at the forefront of the gifting industry by always offering something new.”

The introduction of the forthcoming NextGen store model exemplifies this focus, blending e-commerce with the in-person shopping experience. Meanwhile, advancements in personalization — such as custom messages and gift add-ons — appeal to the 75% of customers who crave that unique touch.

“Convenience and personalization go hand in hand with innovation,” said Faraz Iqbal, chief technology officer. “As we continue to enhance our e-commerce platforms and in-store technology, we’re making sure every interaction with Edible is as effortless as it is personalized. From faster, smarter online shopping to franchise technologies that set a new standard, we’re committed to driving Edible’s future with cutting-edge solutions.”

A Franchise Opportunity with Proven Results

By investing in Edible (which has been a leader in the gifting business since 1999), owners have peace of mind knowing that very few competitors have the same kind of household-name reputation in the category. From its iconic fruit arrangements to expanded offerings like gourmet desserts and fresh flowers, Edible’s product range appeals to a broad audience. And every aspect of the business — including technology, equipment, supplies, patents and trademarks — is proprietary and vigorously protected.

“Prospective franchisees can take advantage of the fact that we have been around for 25 years,” said Mele. “This established name, in combination with our constant innovation, creates an unparalleled opportunity to further enhance brand visibility in the marketplace.”

As the gifting industry continues to grow, Edible franchisees benefit from being part of a brand that combines the convenience of e-commerce with the personal touch of local ownership. With consumer spending on the rise and the gifting market expanding rapidly, there has never been a better time to join Edible.

For more information on franchising with Edible, visit: https://franchise.edible.com.

About Edible 

Founded in 1999, Edible® has revolutionized the gifting industry, uniquely leveraging the synergistic power of an innovative e-commerce hub and locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe. Edible's platform seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with a vast retail footprint that services over 70% of U.S. households within an hour. Expanding beyond its iconic fruit arrangements, Edible has a range of offerings, including delectable dessert boards, cookies, brownies, cakes, farm-fresh flowers and more – perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. For more information, visit edible.com.

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Luca Piacentini

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Luca Piacentini

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1851 Managing Editor