Edible Arrangements and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Deepen Digital Retail Partnership

The confectionery and fresh fruit arrangements sectors are witnessing significant shifts toward e-commerce. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (NASDAQ:RMCF), the Durango, Colorado-based gourmet chocolate franchisor, has formalized an expanded digital commerce arrangement with Edible Arrangements, LLC, marking a pivotal milestone in their strategic collaboration.

Strategic Alliance Expands Into Digital Commerce

The two companies have formalized a licensing agreement that grants Edible comprehensive rights to distribute Rocky Mountain’s chocolates, candies and confectionery products through Edible’s digital platform. Beyond product sales, Edible will assume responsibility for all online marketing and sales operations across Rocky Mountain’s corporate website and broader e-commerce ecosystem, essentially positioning itself as the primary digital commerce engine for the chocolate manufacturer’s online presence.

This arrangement represents the formalization of a previously announced letter of intent. Under their broader strategic alliance, Rocky Mountain had already become the exclusive chocolate supplier to Edible, its affiliates and franchisees. The licensing agreement now extends this collaboration into the critical online sales channel.

Market Context and Growth Opportunity

The timing of this expansion carries particular significance. The companies emphasized that the digital commerce initiative positions both organizations to capitalize on changing consumer behaviors, particularly the accelerated shift toward online purchasing during periods of disruption. The expanded Edible Arrangements stock of Rocky Mountain products positions franchisees to tap into digital sales opportunities through multiple channels—shipping, delivery and local pickup options.

Bryan Merryman, CEO and Chairman of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, highlighted the strategic rationale: “We are excited to further our strategic alliance with Edible and believe Rocky Mountain will realize significant benefits from Edible’s e-commerce expertise. This new phase of our partnership presents a significant opportunity for growth via increased online sales. Our franchisees will also be able to participate in this ecommerce opportunity by opting into shipping, delivery or pickup options for online customers.”

Strengthening the Edible Arrangements Digital Platform

For Edible Brands, the arrangement aligns with its broader vision of transforming its website into a comprehensive digital marketplace. Edible Founder and CEO Tariq Farid remarked: “This is an enormous milestone as we continue to evolve the Edible website into a world class ecommerce marketplace showcasing the best gifts, treats and arrangements available for any occasion, anywhere. We look forward to helping Rocky Mountain capitalize on our digital expertise to enhance the experience of their current customers and reach new customers.”

Company Profiles

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory operates as both a manufacturer and franchisor. As of the announcement date, the company—through its subsidiaries and franchisees—maintained 423 locations spanning 37 states, Canada, South Korea, Qatar, Panama and the Philippines. The company produces premium chocolates and confectionery products alongside operating self-serve frozen yogurt concepts. Rocky Mountain’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under ticker RMCF.

Edible Brands, parent of Edible Arrangements, operates the world’s largest franchise system focused on fresh fruit arrangements and chocolate-dipped offerings. The brand maintains more than 1,100 locations globally. Since its 1999 founding, Edible has ranked consistently among Entrepreneur magazine’s top franchises, appearing in the “Franchise 500,” “Fastest Growing Franchises,” and “America’s Top Global Franchises” lists, while also being featured on the “Inc. 5000” roster of fastest-growing private companies.

Forward-Looking Considerations

The companies acknowledged that realizing the anticipated benefits of this alliance depends on multiple factors, including successful product supply execution, Edible’s ability to drive online sales growth, consumer engagement with the product offerings, general economic conditions, competitive pressures, raw material availability and evolving regulatory requirements. The companies noted that government regulations at local, state and federal levels—encompassing health, safety, franchising and food distribution standards—could impact outcomes.