Hemp beverages, trafficking prevention among key topics at Pa. food industry conference

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Hemp beverages and trafficking prevention were among key topics at the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association‘s 2026 PFMA Annual Conference.

Held at Omni Bedford Springs Resort, the conference brought together members, wholesalers, vendors and industry partners 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,” PFMA President and CEO Alex Baloga said in a statement. “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.”

Karns Foods CEO Andrea Karns handed off the PFMA Board Chair position to Chris Reed of Rutter’s. 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. According to a release, 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, c 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’s next major event will be the 2026 Fall Legislative Conference, Oct. 13–14 at Hershey Country Club.