Hiten Bajaj is the master franchisee for Edible Arrangements India. Hiten founded a live communications agency in Dubai, UAE, that specializes in building brand visibility by producing distinctive, unique high- profile events for his clients. He got intrigued when he saw an Edible Arrangements van on one of the busiest roads in Dubai and decided to find out more about the brand. He then visited a store, and began using Edible Arrangements’ services for corporate events and personal gatherings for his clients in Dubai. He knew instantly that Edible Arrangements would work in India because it is such a unique concept. A BBA graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, Hiten always wanted to start his own business. He knew India was growing at a rapid pace and the Indian population, becoming increasingly global. So he thought it was the right time to bring Edible Arrangements to India along with his partner Avinash Khemani and Ishna Batra. When discussing the culture and people of India, Hiten admits, “A book wouldn’t be enough.” India has 28 states and 7 territories and each of these has different languages, eating habits, lifestyles, dressing, ethnic groups and more. One common thread in India’s rich and diverse culture is the fact that Indians in general celebrate various festivals all year round, not just national or religious festivals but also personal celebrations such as the birth of a baby, a marriage, an anniversary, a housewarming – what we at Edible Arrangements call “the times of their lives.” Indians celebrate in a large lavish manner and Hiten believes that this is where Edible Arrangements’ unique offerings will be a fresh change. “Edible Arrangements provides something other than the usual sweets or delicacies when healthy living is becoming more of a universal change in India.” Hiten’s research into the food business taught him that it requires a serious dedication, and much more commitment than any other industry. He believes that establishing Edible Arrangements could result in a revolutionary lifestyle change for people to shift from their usual highly sugared desserts. Hiten’s past expertise and academic background will be a huge asset. He started his communications agency with just one other employee and it has grown from a small company to a large communications business. Having already successfully run one company, Hiten is ready to take on the challenge of growing Edible Arrangements in India, as he puts it, “like my only baby.” Avinash Khemani (Partner, Edible Arrangements)The young and dynamic director of Edible Arrangements Avinash Khemani, 28, is all set to bring Edible Arrangements, the leading purveyor of artistically designed fresh fruit arrangements to India. Having worked approximately 6 years in Sales and Developing, Avinash with his partner Ishna, are the directors of Edible Arrangements India. A Commerce graduate from H.R. College of Commerce & Economics, Avinash is a born entrepreneur. His passion for travelling led him to explore many countries and where he came across the distinctive idea of gifting hand sculpted exotic fruit and the thought of bringing Edible Arrangements to India struck him. During his stint at sales, Avinash sensed that consumers are inexorably looking out for healthier alternatives in this ghee laden mithai gifting country and given the fact the food-gifting segment is been an unexplored territory in India, the innate entrepreneur in him, led him to the take the initiative of bringing Edible Arrangement to India. Edible Arrangement offers delicious bouquets filled with fresh, hand sculpted exotic fruits including strawberries, pineapple, grapes, apples, oranges, bananas, cantaloupe and honeydew with a gourmet chocolate for the people who cannot do without a daily dose of their chocolate! Hardworking and focused, Avinash a health fanatic enjoys working-out and takes the time-out from his busy lifestyle for playing squash and tennis. An devoted traveller, Avinash has been to Spain, The Unites States, Holland,UAE, Thailand, Greece and Germany. Avinash envisions Edible Arrangements as India’s most innovative and creative Fruit arrangements store. With a mission to make Edible arrangements the leader in artistically designed fresh fruits display in India, Avinash and Ishna plan to expand their business and open about 50 franchises of Edible Arrangements till 2020 across India. Ishna Batra (Director, Edible Arrangements)A young entrepreneur, Ishna, is the Master Franchisee of Edible Arrangements India. Ishna Batra and her business partners Hiten Bajaj and Avinash Khemani are all set to bring Edible Arrangements, the leading purveyor of artistically designed fresh fruit arrangements to Mumbai. Ishna pursued her BA (Hons) Business De Montfort University (England) and studied Marketing from the London School of Economics. Being an entrepreneur at heart, she’s always craved the idea of setting up her own business. With the idea of presenting artistically designed fresh fruit arrangements relatively new to Indians, Ishna aspires to make Edible Arrangements synonymous to the concept of gifting fruits. The International brand recognition motivated her further to bring Edible Arrangements to India. Ishna- a healthy food aficionado sensed the lack of healthy gifting options and the idea of bringing Edible Arrangements struck her. She believes Edible Arrangements is a ‘perfect fit’ for a country like India where occasions are celebrated all year round. Also with changing lifestyles, people are getting more health conscious day-by-day. Edible Arrangements offers the ‘figure conscious’ an entire menu of healthy alternatives, by offering beautiful ‘fruit bouquets’, guaranteeing that the incredible taste will make every occasion special. Ishna being an ardent lover of chocolate herself, Edible Arrangements wouldn’t have being complete without it delicious chocolate dipped fruits. Chocolate lovers can now experience the goodness of pineapple daisies, strawberries, apples, oranges, and even bananas by dipping them in a swirl of chocolate and reach another heaven with the exotic taste. Ishna’s vision is to create happiness in every occasion by delivering the freshest, juiciest and delicious fruit arrangements to wow every customer with customer service and customer satisfaction of highest order. Personally, Ishna, a health enthusiast, religiously practises Yoga. Her love for fashion, exploring places and reading keep her busy. She saves her weekends for family and Friends and tries to maintain a separate personal and professional life, making it a lot less stressful and healthy. |