Fresh, ripe cranberries are lustrous, plump and firm - never dull and free from soft spots and bruises. Color ranges from hot pink to dark red.

Poorly colored fruit can pick up better coloring if held for a few weeks at 45-50 F, 7.2-10 C. However, sudden temperature increases can cause water condensation within packages.

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.

Fresh cranberries are elegant in holiday decorating too. Cross-promote with your store's floral department, and show shoppers how to use cranberries in flower arrangements, floated in water with candles, or frozen with herbs or other fruits in a variety of festive shapes.

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".

A range of consumer marketing and public relations programs will also be in place during the Ocean Spray cranberry season. Call your business development representative for details, or visit www.oceanspray.com.