Fall is here! It’s about to be a new season on the calendar, and it’s about to be a new season for PMG and for me; this is my last letter from the editor. I’m leaving one great opportunity to pursue another.
If you’ve followed my work or talked with me over the years, you won’t be surprised that I plan to stay in produce. How could I not? Covering the industry over the past five years has changed my life.
People told me when I started in this role that produce tends to get in your blood. They were right. Not only has my immersion in the industry transformed my professional life and ambitions, but it has had a huge impact on me personally as well.
I’ve completely changed my eating habits and lifestyle – many more fruits and vegetables, much more activity, much higher quality of life! My experience in produce has even inspired me to collaborate with my sister-in-law, an elementary school P.E. teacher and certified personal trainer, to work fresh produce education and taste tests into her lesson planning this coming school year.
Since I took on the role of editor of this magazine three-plus years ago, my goal has always been to provide actionable information and inspiration. I couldn’t be more proud of how we’ve done that.
We’ve had the privilege to present expert perspective from dozens of respected industry leaders on topics including strategy, assortment, merchandising, training, customer service, in-store experience and many more. We’ve featured excellent displays from merchandisers and produce managers around the country through the Produce Artist Award Series, a first-of-its-kind program that I dreamed up and that so many talented produce retail professionals have made a success through their support.
We’ve delivered in-depth looks at some of the best in the business through our Produce Retailer of the Year Award cover stories. And we’ve provided all this not only in these pages but on our website and on social media as well so that, wherever you like to consume information, we are there.
It has truly been my pleasure to lead the editorial coverage for PMG. Now starts a new season for us both, and I’m confident it will be a fruitful one.
All the best,
Ashley
