From Harrisburg to Hershey to Chicago, PFMA has spent the past few months strengthening partnerships, advancing advocacy, and amplifying the voice of Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry.
In October, PFMA hosted the 2025 Fall Legislative Conference at Hershey Country Club, bringing together policymakers, retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers for two days of discussion. Attorney General Dave Sunday headlined the event with a keynote address on organized retail crime, stressing collaboration between law enforcement and the private sector to protect businesses, workers, and communities.
State House Appropriations Chairs Jordan Harris and Jim Struzzi joined for a bipartisan policy update covering the state budget, workforce, and transportation issues that affect every corner of our industry. National leaders from FMI, the National Grocers Association, and the Consumer Brands Association delivered insights on tariffs, SNAP, and federal regulatory shifts. Members also participated in the annual Wholesalers Meeting, where distributors discussed market trends and policy challenges.Â
The Alcohol Update session, led by R.J. O’Hara of Flaherty & O’Hara, provided crucial information on licensing and compliance developments, while networking events and receptions gave attendees time to build relationships and share solutions across the industry. From local zoning to global trade, every conversation pointed to one shared priority: ensuring a stable, competitive marketplace for Pennsylvania’s food merchants.
This fall, PFMA continued to champion policies that strengthen food access and operational stability. The association joined Secretary Redding and Representative Nate Davidson at a press conference hosted by member Karns Foods, highlighting efforts to support Pennsylvania families through SNAP and local agriculture. When federal funding delays threatened to disrupt November SNAP benefits, PFMA urged Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to take immediate action, warning that uncertainty in benefits could cause major operational and supply chain challenges for retailers and distributors across the Commonwealth.
PFMA also attended the USTIF 30th Anniversary event, celebrating three decades of environmental stewardship and underground storage tank protection, and the Capitol All-Stars Game press conference, where bipartisan teams were selected to raise funds for regional food banks. PFMA also joined the Convenience Distribution Association’s 2025 State Association Executive Summit in Washington, D.C., connecting with association leaders from across the country to discuss shared priorities in advocacy, logistics, and supply chain management. Additionally, PFMA participated in the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference & Expo, which it cohosts with the New Jersey Food Council, bringing together regional and national experts on retail crime prevention and recognizing outstanding leadership with the Loss Prevention Professional Award, presented to Dave Fones of Ahold Delhaize.
Throughout the season, PFMA remained active on the national and regional stage. The association connected with industry leaders at the NACS Show in Chicago, explored innovation in convenience retail, and joined the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce to discuss regional growth and economic priorities.
PFMA’s Shelf Confidence podcast returned for its eighth season this fall, offering new episodes on workforce development, cybersecurity, and the future of beer in Pennsylvania. The Inside Dish video series also continued to provide regular updates on PFMA’s work, from legislative advocacy and committee meetings to upcoming events and member initiatives, keeping members informed and engaged with the association’s ongoing efforts across the state.
PFMA was proud to recognize 21 Ridge Scholarship recipients, representing the next generation of the industry’s workforce. Their talent, drive, and diverse academic pursuits reflect the values that make Pennsylvania’s food and beverage sector strong.
As the year winds down, PFMA remains focused on advocacy, education, and partnership. From shaping policy in Harrisburg and Washington to supporting food access, workforce development, and retail security, the association continues to represent a resilient and forward-looking industry that keeps Pennsylvania fed, employed, and growing.
