Ashley Nickle, staff writer for sister publication The Packer, has been promoted to Produce Retailer editor and retail editor of The Packer.
Nickle, who joined the newspaper in June 2016, will apply her experience with CBS Detroit, the Associated Press, and mostly recently with The Packer and parent company Farm Journal Media, to speak to one of The Packer’s most important audiences — produce retailers.
“In her short time with Farm Journal and The Packer, Ashley has quickly captured the essence of our industry,” said Tom Karst, editor-in-chief of The Packer. “She understands how retailers think — and what kinds of news and information speak to their needs. That knowledge, coupled with the energy and initiative she pours into everything she does, will drive the valuable content she delivers via digital, print, social media, video and events.”
The promotion comes on the heels of Karst’s promotion from national editor to editor-in-chief. Farm Journal also is adding a newly created position of vice president/chief content strategist, produce. Two additional positions were also announced, a West Coast and a Northeast editor, both aimed at ramping up local markets coverage.
Nickle will not only create retail content for The Packer and Produce Retailer but also provide critical input and editorial support for The Packer’s Produce Market Guide platform, West Coast Produce Expo and the company’s newest event, Global Organic Produce Expo/GOPEX, a large-scale international trade show for the organic produce industry.
“I’m excited to see this promotion of Ashley to a more senior role on our content team,” Shannon Shuman, vice president and publisher for the produce division, said. “Her early enthusiasm has quickly turned to a passion for the produce industry. Our retailer audience will love her elevated voice.”
