Looking for a sweet gift that’s sure to delight? Edible Arrangements and Shari’s Berries allow you to surprise loved ones with bouquets made of fresh fruit and other tasty treats. But how do these two popular gift basket brands compare when it comes to selection, price, quality and service?
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know to decide whether Edible Arrangements or Shari’s Berries is right for your next fruit-filled gift.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Edible Arrangements | Shari’s Berries |
| Gifting Focus | Fresh fruit bouquets/arrangements | Chocolate-dipped fruit assortments |
| Customization | Many sizes and add-ons like cheesecakes | Pre-packaged gift sets |
| Ordering | 1,200 stores for local delivery | Nationwide direct shipping |
| Pricing | $50 – $200+ | $20 – $90 |
| Best For | Impressive fruit bouquet centerpiece | Indulgent chocolate-dipped fruit |
| Delivery Speed | Same-day if local store | 1-3 day nationwide shipping |
Overview of Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements, established in 1999, revolutionized the idea of bouquets crafted from fresh fruit. Their iconic arrangements artfully blend pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, and pineapple, all carved to resemble flowers.
In addition to these fruit arrangements, they offer Dipped Fruit selections, with popular choices like chocolate-drizzled strawberries. Beyond fruit, their offerings expand to include items like cheesecakes and the unique chocolate-dipped bacon.
Depending on the size and added elements, such as dipped fruit or cheesecakes, their arrangements are priced between $50 and $200. With a network of over 1,200 locations across the nation, they ensure the convenience of same-day local delivery.
Edible Arrangements marries meticulous fruit design, signature melon artistry, and a wide range of customization, all under a single brand umbrella.
Overview of Shari’s Berries
Shari’s Berries is renowned for its expertly dipped strawberries and luxurious treats, elegantly packaged for that perfect gift. They take fresh strawberries and immerse them in a variety of delectable coatings including chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate.
But it’s not just strawberries; they also offer a selection of berries like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, all available with that sumptuous dipped touch.
If you’re looking for something even more unique, their assortment extends to gift sets that pair fruits with baked goodies, crunchy nuts, and even chocolate-coated Oreos and pretzels. Depending on the quantity and the selection, prices range from a budget-friendly $20 to a premium $90.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, rest assured your gift can reach anywhere in the nation, with their direct shipping from their facility.
They also cater to last-minute orders with expedited shipping options. For a diverse and lavish range of chocolate-draped fruits and innovative gift sets, Shari’s Berries stands out as the premier destination.
Also Read: Comparison Between Fruit Bouquets And Edible Arrangements.
Key Differences Between Edible Arrangements And Shari’s Berries
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s compare them across some key purchasing factors:
- Comparing Gifting Options
Let’s examine the types of gifts and customization offered by both brands:
- Edible Arrangements provides greater gift diversity with fruit designs, cheesecakes, smoothies, chocolate items like dipped bacon.
- Shari’s Berries focuses specifically on dipped fruits and complementary gift sets with baked goods and nuts.
- Both allow add-ons like stuffed animals or balloons to accompany gifts.
- More size options for fruit arrangements at Edible Arrangements. Shari’s Berries has set quantities of dipped fruit.
- Customized messaging available from both brands to personalize any gift.
Edible Arrangements excels in unique fruit bouquet creations in various sizes, while Shari’s Berries dominates for creatively packaged, indulgent dipped fruit assortments.
- Comparing Quality
Freshness and care in preparation are crucial for food gifts. Here’s how they stack up:
- Edible Arrangements fruit arrives fresh, flavorful and neatly arranged as ordered. The designs live up to expectations.
- Shari’s Berries hand dips strawberries in house with decadent chocolate and caramel. Their berries ship at peak ripeness.
- Both brands get consistently positive feedback on taste and freshness. The real fruit and chocolate hold up well during shipping.
When it comes to providing quality, care in sourcing, and properly shipping fresh fruit and chocolate, Edible Arrangements and Shari’s Berries are evenly matched.
- Ordering and Delivery Experience
Convenience and reliability in ordering and delivery are also important factors.
- Edible Arrangements’ 1,200 local stores enable quick same-day delivery by experienced staff. More limited options for national shipping.
- Shari’s Berries nationally ships all gift orders directly from their facility. Expedited shipping available but requires planning further ahead.
- Edible Arrangements sites prepare each arrangement. Shari’s Berries pre-assembles and individually packages gifts.
- Both brands package appropriately for safe transport and include gift messaging if requested.
For last-minute local delivery, Edible Arrangements’ retail locations provide an advantage. But Shari’s Berries ships all orders reliably too, just with less same-day availability.
Watch this review video:
- Pricing Comparison
Which brand offers better value for the quality?
- Edible Arrangements pricing starts around $50 for smaller fruit pieces, with larger elaborate bouquets costing over $100. Dipped items and cheesecakes add cost.
- Shari’s Berries start around $20 for chocolate-dipped items. Gift sets with lots of fruit, nuts and other items often range between $50 – $90 based on size.
- Considering labor involved, freshness of real fruit, and gift packaging, both provide strong value.
- Larger Edible Arrangements designs yield more “wow” factor for the money.
For budget-focused shoppers, Shari’s Berries deliver plenty of indulgence and variety at lower price points under $50. But splurging for a grand Edible Arrangements fruit bouquet provides dramatic visual impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kept at room temperature, an Edible Arrangements fruit bouquet will stay fresh for 6-8 hours. For maximum freshness, refrigerate any leftover fruit within 2 hours of receiving the arrangement.
Edible Arrangements are crafted right before delivery using crisp, fresh fruit. They are packaged in insulated containers with ice packs to ensure freshness en route, while keeping fruits at optimal temperature.
Shari’s Berries are packaged in gift boxes with separated compartments keeping dipped fruit and other items neatly in place. Insulation and cooling elements are used so shipments arrive cold and fresh.
Shari Fitzpatrick began Shari’s Berries out of her home in 1989. In 2000, the company received investments from a private equity firm to aid expansion. Shari Fitzpatrick retained some ownership until leaving the company in 2020.
Both brands work well for food allergies. Shari’s Berries lets you opt for nut-free manufacturing, while Edible Arrangements clearly labels items containing nuts or dairy. Just alert each company to any allergy concerns when ordering. They’ll take proper precautions.
Also Read: Comparison Between Paperless Post And Punchbowl.
Final Verdict
Which is better, Edible Arrangements or Shari’s Berries?
If you’re able to visit a local Edible Arrangements store for same-day delivery of their signature fresh fruit sculptures and arrangements, they offer an unparalleled gifting experience full of customization options. Their designs delighted both the eye and taste buds.
For convenient nationwide delivery of indulgent chocolate-dipped strawberries and creative gift boxes, Shari’s Berries is the best choice. Their focus on gourmet dipped fruit in beautifully packaged sets makes a wonderful edible gift.
Ultimately, choosing between the two brands comes down to whether you want to gift a majestic fruit bouquet or a decadent selection of chocolatey goodness. Both Edible Arrangements and Shari’s Berries provide high-quality edible surprises sure to brighten anyone’s day.