New Beginnings

Welcome to the first issue of Fresh Cut for 2007. This is our annual Industry Outlook issue, and inside we address issues the industry is facing – and look at them through your eyes.

In addition, the new year represents a new beginning for Fresh Cut. And we certainly have some exciting changes in store for you.
It is a bittersweet feeling to write my column this month, as it will be my last one as the editor of Fresh Cut. While I’m not leaving the company, I am stepping back from my role as the face of the magazine into more of a behind-the-scenes position. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn this exciting industry, and I’m definitely going to miss working with all of you.

Rest assured, I’ll still be actively involved in this magazine – and will still keep up to date with what’s going on in the industry. Like many aspects of the produce industry, the publishing industry is going through changes. And we’re stepping up to those challenges to offer our readers more – both on the pages of the magazines and off. As part of my role as editorial director for Fresh Cut’s parent company, Great American Publishing, I will be working behind the scenes to bring new features to the magazine and Web site – and beyond. Stay tuned this year for some exciting changes and additions to the Fresh Cut lineup. I think you’ll be pleased.

As our company grows and changes, it’s time to pass the editorial torch (or keyboard) to someone else. I’m pleased to announce that Scott Christie, who you’ve all “met” in the pages of this magazine over the past seven months, will be taking over as managing editor. Starting in February, it will be his face you’ll see on this page.

As I look back on my time learning about and covering the fresh-cut industry, it’s amazing the promise that segment of the produce industry holds. While there have been some concerns lately with the safety of fresh-cut produce, I still see a promising future – and an industry full of entrepreneurs ready and willing to step up and ensure a healthy (and safe) future for the fresh-cut industry.

The fresh-cut industry has a long, solid future ahead of it. It has been a pleasure to ride along with you on the journey – albeit briefly – and I look forward to what the future holds for Fresh Cut and the fresh-cut industry.

I think I’ll end this column with one of my new favorite quotes from a Bon Jovi song: “Every new beginning is some beginning’s end.”