Emma Bianco of Bethel Park High School named 2024 DECA Scholar by PFMA
CAMP HILL, PA (March 2025) The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has selected Emma Bianco, a senior at Bethel Park High School, as the recipient of the $1,000 Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Scholarship. Bianco, Co-President of her DECA chapter, has excelled in leadership roles and competitions throughout high school, fueling her passion for […]
‘Shelf Confidence’ Podcast Returns for Season 7 with Expert Insights on Retail Innovation and Industry Trends
Premiering February 20, 2025, the new season explores AI, sustainability, independent grocers, & more The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is excited to announce the return of its popular podcast, Shelf Confidence, for its seventh season, premiering Thursday, February 20, 2025. This season brings a fresh, new video-based format, offering listeners and viewers an in-depth […]
PFMA Honors Industry Leaders at 2024 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference & Expo
Monroe, NJ (October 30, 2024) – The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) last week celebrated the achievements of industry leaders at the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference and Expo in Monroe, NJ. Hosted in partnership with the New Jersey Food Council, the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, and the Delaware Food Industry Council, this annual event […]
2024 Fall Legislative Conference
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) just wrapped up its successful Annual Fall Legislative Conference! Thank you to everyone who attended and made this possible. Held at the Hershey Country Club, this two-day event brought together food industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss pressing state and federal issues impacting the industry. This year’s […]
Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Presents Trailblazer Award to Chris Reed, General Counsel for Rutter’s and PFMA Board Treasurer
Hershey, PA – October 29, 2024 – At the PFMA Fall Legislative Conference the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) honored Chris Reed, general counsel for Rutter’s and PFMA’s board Treasurer with the prestigious Food Industry Trailblazer Award. PFMA President Alex Baloga presented the award, recognizing Reed’s significant impact on the food and beverage industry in […]
Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Announces John Zimmerman as New Director of Communications and Media Relations
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), a leading statewide trade association advocating for the food and beverage retail industry, is proud to announce John Zimmerman as its new Director of Communications and Media Relations. John Zimmerman is an experienced communications professional with a background in political communications, video production, and marketing. He brings a […]
PFMA Launches Redesigned Website
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), which advocates the views of the Commonwealth’s food and beverage industries, is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, offering a fresh and modern experience for its members and the public. The new website is designed with user accessibility and engagement at its core, providing easy […]
PFMA awards Ridge Scholarships to 28 students

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is pleased to announce the 28 recipients of the 2024 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. Each student will receive a one-year, $2,500 scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, totaling $70,000. “Congratulations to these outstanding students on this well-deserved recognition,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “This […]
PFMA applauds passage of bill allowing sale of ready-to-drink beverages
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) which advocates the views of the Commonwealth’s food and beverage industries, today issued a statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 688, which amends the state Liquor Code to allow retailers such as grocery and convenience stores to sell ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages or canned cocktails. “We are thrilled with […]
PFMA celebrates passage of bill to create WIC Advisory Board
The legislation makes the existing advisory group permanent. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), which advocates the views of the Commonwealth’s food and beverage industries, today issued a statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 721, which establishes a permanent Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) advisory board, by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. “The passage of […]