Tariq Farid, Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, was honored with an Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award Thursday evening during a gala in Manhattan hosted by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC).

“The award honors individuals and serves to encourage the development of talent and leadership of Asian Americans,” said John Wang, president of AABDC. “Mr. Farid is a very deserving recipient because of his business success in building Edible Arrangements into a global icon as well as his philanthropic work through the Tariq Farid Foundation. He truly serves as an inspiration to all Asian Americans.”

The award recipients represent a microcosm of Asian-American business owners, representing ethnicities from China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and other Asian countries. Marking the 22-year milestone for the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC), the gala also provides Asian-American business leaders a platform for communication and collaboration.

“I am honored to be recognized by such an important organization as the Asian American Business Development Center,” Farid said. “It is through programs such as this that the leaders of the future can be inspired to pursue their dreams.”