Fresh berries should be plump and firm, brightly colored and free of mold, soft spots, wrinkled or split skins, and discoloration. Blueberries will typically have a ‘frosted’ or ‘dusted’ appearance to the skin. Cranberries should appear lustrous with color ranging from hot pink to dark red.

Blackberries with stems attached may be immature. Blackberries should be bright, clean and fresh, with even color and plumpness. Overripe blackberries are dull, soft, and sometimes leaky — indicated by stained containers.

Blackberries are delivered to stores to be sold immediately because of their high perishability. Unload into a chilled atmosphere and keep them refrigerated until ready to be displayed. Keep blackberries refrigerated and away from moisture until ready to eat, as the fragile berry is susceptible to mold and will degrade once wet.

Ocean Spray harvests six different cranberry varieties from growers in three primary regions, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Washington / British Columbia.  As a consequence November shipments will look different than September shipments and most likely will be different varieties.

Temperature:
32-34 degrees F / 0 – 1.1 degrees C

Relative humidity: 90 – 98%

Temperature:
36-40 degrees F / 2 – 5 degrees C

Relative humidity: 60%

Mist: No

Temperature:
32-34 degrees F / 0 – 1 degrees C

Relative Humidity:
90 to 95 percent

Mist: No

Blueberries: 10 – 18 days

Blackberries are sensitive to moisture, cold and heat. Blackberries are highly susceptible to freezing injury.

Blueberries are ideal for displaying with other fresh berries, or with melons in the produce department. Center-aisle cross-promotional opportunities include: breakfast cereals, pancake, cake, piecrust or muffin mixes.

Fresh cranberries are ideal for holiday merchandising October through December.

Display alongside apples, nuts, raisins, acorn squash, tropical fruits, pastry shells, and muffin mixes.  Recipes often call for cranberries to be used along with these ingredients.  Take care not to display next to items that must be kept moist.

Encourage shoppers to buy two bags, one for now, and the other to freeze for later.  Cranberries freeze well when the perforated bags are overwrapped to protect them from freezer dehydration.

Ocean Spray will provide case cards with recipes and rebates to help drive sales.  These are designed to fit most retail display frames with dimensions: 11 x 7”.

Keep blackberries away from moisture. Merchandise with other berries, and keep displays fully stocked. Inspect displays frequently, as blackberries are extremely perishable and will perish quickly if not monitored.

Discourage consumer handling by overwrapping trays with film or displaying in a clamshell.

Create a ‘Berry Patch’ promotion with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries to encourage impulse purchases.

Cross promote blackberries with pie crusts, tart shells, and dairy products like whipped cream and yogurt.

Promote blackberries as a classic favorite for cobblers and fruit salads.