NEWARK, UK - Peter Glazebrook of Newark, UK turned heads at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show this year with a whopping 20lb carrot. Although the carrot has yet to be certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, according to the World Carrot Museum, its reported weight would easily topple the previous record holder, John Evans' 18.985lb show-stopper.

These carrots would make even Bugs Bunny pause for breath. Just how does someone like Peter Glazebrook, who according to the Daily Mail also holds the world record for world's largest cauliflower, longest turnip, and heaviest potato, grow these giant offerings?

This BBC interview with Glazebrook from September 2013 reveals the secret to Glazebrook's giant vegetable technique:

Interestingly, Glazebrook's record for largest onion was just broken by another grower featured on AndNowUKnow: Tony Glover and his 18lb 11oz onion.

Congratulations to Peter Glazebrook for this incredibly impressive accomplishment! I'll be looking forward to seeing you join the Guinness Book of World records very soon.  

UNITED STATES - U.S. lemon prices have reached record highs this year.  USDA data shows that for the year ending July 31, lemon prices increased the value of the crop by 62% to $647.7 million.

Lemons received a big boost this year from several different factors. The prices of limes tripled by May for some buyers after crop damage in Mexico led to tight supplies and varying effects on supply from drought conditions in California were both key contributors, according to Bloomberg. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wholesale lemon prices almost doubled from the previous year, and retail lemons are up 36% to $2.327 per pound in August.  According to Bloomberg, that is the highest since the Bureau began tracking them in 1980.

This price increase has been good to the California lemon growers who harvest lemons almost year-round and accounted for 91% of the U.S. lemon crop this year.

Harold Edwards, Limoneira’s Chief Executive Officer, told Bloomberg, “This has been by far our most profitable lemon year.”  Edwards added that Limoneira, which farms 4,000 acres of lemons in California and Arizona, received about $24 on average for each 40lb carton sold in the fiscal year that ends next month.  This is a 50% increase from a year earlier.

Sunkist Growers tells Bloomberg that consumers, restaurants and beverage makers have all boosted lemon demand to an all-time high due to growing popularity.  Mintel Group Ltd’s Menu Insights database shows that lemon-flavored ingredients on food-service menus climbed approximately 11% between the second quarters of 2011 and 2014.

With all of these demand increases, Edwards tells Bloomberg that Limoneira plans to more than triple annual lemon production to 10 million cartons within eight years.

“As production stabilizes and comes back into norm, we’re very, very pleased in that we’re not seeing our pricing fall as dramatically as we once thought it would,” Edwards said.  “We continue to be very, very bullish on the future consumption of lemons.”

It will definitely be interesting to see where this market will go.  Stay tuned for AndNowUKnow for the latest updates.

BAKERSFIELD, CA – As the shipper of 100% natural California ONLY grown dates, quality is a key point for Atlas Produce and Distribution Inc, and word coming out of the fields suggests that 2014's date crop is ready to meet and exceed these quality expectations.

“The 2014 date harvest is underway and the quality once again is looking excellent,” said Robert Dobrzanski, President of Atlas Produce.

While the California drought has proved a difficult challenge for many Golden State growers, the hot, dry conditions experienced this past summer are perfect for the cultivation of Medjool dates, according to a press release.

The California harvest is about two weeks early this year due to weather conditions, but this had no impact on quality, which is looking excellent, particularly for the Caramel Naturel variety.

“The difference Caramel Naturel dates offer is that we only grow our dates in the sunny state of California. Our consumers constantly tell us that California dates are their favorite,” Robert explained. “Caramel Naturel dates sales this year have exceeded our expectations and we attribute our success to our unwavering attention to quality.”

Caramel Naturel dates display the California Grown symbol on all packaging options, reinforcing Atlas Produce's commitment to distributing only the finest California grown dates to its consumers and retail partners. These dates have been growing in popularity every year, and Atlas Produce is confident that this year will be no exception.

Congratulations on another great harvest, Atlas Produce!  

Atlas Produce 

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – C.H. Robinson and its recently rebranded produce division, Robinson Fresh®, are supporting two important nationwide hunger-relief efforts.

C.H. Robinson has helped Second Harvest Heartland boost transportation efficiencies and played an integral role in shipping almost one million pounds of sweet corn across North America to participating food banks, according to a press release.  In recognition of its efforts, Second Harvest Heartland presented C. H. Robinson its 2014 Hunger Hero Innovation Award for the company’s contribution to an agricultural rescue project. 

“With C.H. Robinson’s help we were able to improve on an important aspect of our business – getting food to those who need it the most,” said Rob Zeaske, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland.  “C.H. Robinson received our Innovation honor because of their willingness and ability to go above and beyond to create new and effective solutions.”

Robinson Fresh® has worked throughout 2013 and 2014 to promote AARP and AARP Foundation’s Drive to End Hunger campaign with the aim of raising awareness and funds to address the problem of hunger that exists among almost 9 million Americans who are 50 or older, according to a press release.

“Since AARP and AARP Foundation launched Drive to End Hunger, the initiative has donated more than 20 million meals and we couldn’t have done without help,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation President.  “We are so thankful for the dynamic support that we received from Robinson Fresh and how successful their unique model was in helping us raise awareness.”

C.H. Robinson sourced and shipped over 2.5 million pounds of Tropicana® clementines in packaging that was designed to feature four-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jeff Gordon, the campaign’s spokesperson.  The company also raised over $70,000 for the AARP Foundation.

C.H. Robinson

Robinson Fresh

ENGLAND - Tony Glover has found himself in the Guinness Book of World Records after his mega-onion weighed in at 18lb 11oz.

Tony, a farmer from Moira in Leicestershire, has been growing vegetables since he was 16.  “Back then, if you could grow a 5lb onion, you had done very well so I’m very happy with this one,” he said to Metro News. 

Growing the onions to this size takes a lot of care.  “I give them a nitrogen-rich food and have to make sure the humidity is just right,” Tony added.  According to Metro News, he also fit grow lights in the greenhouse to simulate the sun to compensate for shorter days and varying weather conditions.

This onion, which took almost a year to grow, is as terrifying to my tear ducts as it is enticing to my stomach.  Think onion rings.

Congratulations on the title, Tony!

PELION, SC - WP Rawl is expanding its line of Nature’s Greens® kale chip kits with two new additional ready-to-bake flavors – Cajun Spice and BBQ. The new flavors will be available in mid-October, according to a press release.

“The first flavor in the kale chip kits has been very popular with our customers who appreciate our on-going innovation with new products,” says Ashley Rawl, VP of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development. “We are excited to offer more variety in the line and think these two new flavors will be a great addition and well-received by customers.”

The 12-ounce kale chips kits include a seasoning packet and pre-cut kale. All that’s left to add is 2 tablespoons of olive oil. One bag yields 16 cups.

The line has continued to gain interest from consumers ever since the company launched its first kale chip kit, Chili & Lime seasoning, last May. The ready-to-bake kale chips kits showcase the versatility of kale and provide convenience to consumers.

WP Rawl 

NEW YORK, NY - Alibaba shattered records during its initial public offering (IPO), raising $25 billion for the future operations of the e-commerce giant. According to the New York Times, that is $2.9 billion more than the previous record holder, the Agricultural Bank of China, which raised $22.1 billion on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2010 during its IPO.

Overnight, Jack Ma, Ali Baba's CEO and the visionary behind this e-commerce business, became one of the richest men in the world.

Alibaba already carries a seemingly endless line of different products, ranging from apples, to dragon fruit, to furniture, to snacks, and much more, with thousands of suppliers throughout Asia. Could Alibaba soon be competing with AmazonFresh and other big box retailers for control of the American retail industry and for the right to act as the intermediary between North America's fresh produce industry and the consumer? Many investors say yes, and much more.

“My vision is to build an e-commerce ecosystem that allows consumers and businesses to do all aspects of business online,” Ma shared with reporters at the New York Times. “I want to create one million jobs, change China’s social and economic environment and make it the largest Internet market in the world.”

“We want to be bigger than Wal-Mart,” he told investors as his company began its first day of public trading on Friday.

If Alibaba continues its current meteoric rise, that day could come sooner than most might think, according to investors quoted in Forbes. The e-commerce retailer already has gross merchandise value (GMV) which surpasses both eBay and Amazon. In 2013, Alibaba's GMV was worth $248 billion, a 52% from 2012. Analysts quoted in Forbes are already estimating this year's valuation could close in on $420 billion.

Looking at the market cap of Alibaba tells a similar story. Alibaba's $231.44 billion valuation puts it above Amazon and eBay combined, and within spitting distance of Wal-Mart's $247.62 billion valuation.

What's next for Alibaba? That is a question which has fixed all eyes on Jack Ma and his team, with investors, retail executives, and members of the fresh produce industry, waiting to see what this company's next move will be.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to find out. Also, be sure to vote in our survey below to let us know what you think of Alibaba and its future in the North American retail market.

Alibaba

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Mann Packing has announced that it will be joining The Produce Mom's Family of Partners, a prospect which the entire Mann Packing team is very excited about.

“All of us at Mann’s are excited to work with The Produce Mom and connect with more consumers,” shared Lori Bigras, Marketing Manager of Mann Packing. “We are especially looking forward to sharing our new Snap Pea Sensations products with busy, time-starved families everywhere.”

“As a mom-owned company, Mann’s holds a very special place not only in my heart, but also my dinner table. Their large selection of ready-to-use vegetables shows they really understand the daily needs of families,” Lori Taylor, The Produce Mom, agreed. “Mann’s new Snap Pea Sensations™ kits are one of my favorite new produce products this season. I’m always looking for quick ways to serve fruits and vegetables and the Snap Pea Sensations kits have been a hit in my home. We like them sautéed and served warm or even served cold for a quick snack.”

To learn more about this new partnership, check out this video by The Produce Mom here.

According to a press release, Mann Packing distributes over 35 commodity and fresh-cut, washed, and ready-to-use vegetables, including Broccoli Wokly®, Broccoli Cole Slaw, Vegetable Medley, Broccolini® and the award-winning Stringless Sugar Snap Peas.

Congratulations on this exciting partnership, Mann Packing!

Mann Packing 

The Produce Mom

YAKIMA, WA - With the Pacific Northwest anticipating a record apple crop this season, Borton Fruit has launched into the heart of its apple and pear season in Yakima, Washington. The company has started harvesting a good share of its varieties thus far, with the exception of a handful of late maturing varieties. Core apple varieties now being picked include Goldens, Gala, Granny, Reds, Early Fuji, Honeycrsip, Jonagold. 

All pear varieties that Borton carries are also available, with D’Anjou, Red D’Anjou, Bosc/Golden Russet and Bartletts rounding out the current treefruit program.

Eric Borton, VP of International Sales and Marketing, tells me, “We have ramped up our packing production to meet market demand for newly harvested fruit.  Harvest has been very good so far, with great quality and consistent volumes.  Packing timetables are at the will of weather, fruit maturity and picking crew availability but our program is looking to be on schedule for a excellent season.”

The company is slated to market a very good size crop this year with healthy production and outstanding quality across the board. Sizing of the fruit is up for a good share of the varieties as well, and promises to stay that way as long as Borton can maintain an efficient and timely harvesting program. Borton will be picking fruit through November, ending the harvest season with Pink Lady Apples.

Most of the company’s growth in volume this year is coming from replacement of old orchards into high-density plantings that produce higher yields and better quality fruit.

“Many of our newer high density plantings are getting to a mature enough age that they are producing great volumes and outstanding quality. As a company, we have made the commitment to continually upgrade our orchard plantings with the goal of providing the market with the best fruit possible,” Eric notes.

Implementation of high-density orchards with the newest strains of each of Borton’s varieties helps the company achieve these goals.  

On the retail front, the company will be focusing on its NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 merchandising program.  This will be Borton’s 3rd year supporting the program. The program was designed to tackle childhood obesity by engaging youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools.

Eric tells me, “The idea is to get kids to take initiative by starting with easy implementation of healthy snacks and foods and 60 minutes a day of exercise.  It’s great timing with the new school year beginning as well as the NFL kicking off and we are excited to be a part of it again.”

“Go Seahawks!”

Stay tuned for more news on 2 new exclusive apple varieties that Borton will be marketing in the coming years.

Borton Fruit

LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Organic Heirloom Apples from Frieda’s Specialty Produce are now up for grabs for a limited time. Fifteen varieties are currently available, including Cox’s Orange Pippin, Matsu, Orleans Reinette, Roxbury Russet, and Arkansas Black, according to a press release.

“Heirloom apples are especially flavorful and are a perfect symbol of fall. And because ours are organic and locally grown in Oregon, they are extremely popular,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce.

These apples are only available in short bursts throughout the season, so get ‘em while they’re hot!

Frieda’s Specialty Produce