The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) welcomed members, wholesalers, vendors and industry partners to the 2026 PFMA Annual Conference, held May 12-13 at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania.
The conference brought together leaders across Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry for two days of networking, education and industry‑focused conversations. The event featured a mini trade show, the PFMA Wholesaler Meeting, educational sessions, the PFMA annual meeting and opportunities for members to connect with peers and partners from across the commonwealth.
“This year’s Annual Conference showed the strength of PFMA’s membership and the value of bringing our industry together in one place,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA.
“Our members are navigating a fast‑changing business environment, and events like this give them the chance to exchange ideas, build relationships and hear directly from experts on issues that affect their businesses, employees and communities.”
PFMA thanked the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for participating in the wholesaler meeting and engaging with members on key industry issues. The association also thanked the vendors and sponsors who made the conference possible.
During the conference, Andrea Karns, CEO of Karns Foods, handed off the PFMA board chair position to Chris Reed of Rutter’s. PFMA thanked Karns for her leadership and welcomed Reed as he begins his term.
Educational programming included a session from Heather Fry, director of industry training for Truckers Against Trafficking, titled “Prevention and Intervention: How Businesses in the Food Supply Chain Can Drive Change in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” The session highlighted the unique position of the food and beverage industry to help identify and report potential signs of human trafficking, particularly through its proximity to transportation networks, convenience stores, retail locations, and other community‑facing operations. The conversation was timely as Pennsylvania and the broader region prepare for increased travel and activity surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The conference also featured a panel discussion titled “The Modern Cooler: Why Hemp‑Infused Drinks Can Be the Next Retail Essential,” with Christopher Lackner, founder and president of the Hemp Beverage Alliance; Diana Eberlein, chair of the Coalition of Adult Beverage Alternatives; and Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Malagari. The discussion explored the growth of hemp‑infused beverages, how the category is evolving in retail settings, and what food and beverage businesses should understand as consumer interest, product availability, and policy conversations continue to develop.
PFMA appreciated all vendors and sponsors, including Federated Insurance, World Kinect, PWI, Inc., PA Lottery, Rushtown Poultry, Healthy Brand Oil, CBIZ, VCM Food, Designer Greetings, Weaver’s of Wellsville, Sigma Snacks, J&J Gaming, Vintage Imports, Microshare, Spotts Insurance Group, Enscoe Long Insurance Group, MDB and Gateway Recycling, the 2026 Golf Sponsor.
PFMA’s next major event will be the 2026 Fall Legislative Conference, Oct. 13-14 at Hershey Country Club, followed by next year’s annual conference at Valley Forge Casino Resort.
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