Shelf Confidence

Employee benefits and insurance decisions can feel complex, especially in the Food and Beverage Industry where margins are tight and workforces are diverse.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Robert Stoudt, Employee Benefits Consultant at PFMA member Assured Partners, to break down how food and beverage employers can approach benefits strategy with more clarity and confidence.

The conversation explores what makes this workforce unique, common misconceptions about benefits planning, and practical steps operators of all sizes can take to manage costs, reduce risk, and better support their teams. From understanding plan structures to identifying overlooked coverage gaps, this episode offers a straightforward look at making smarter decisions without getting lost in technical language.

For operators focused on workforce stability and long-term planning, this discussion provides practical insight into one of the most important — and often most confusing — areas of business operations.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Food insecurity and food waste often exist side by side — and the Food and Beverage Industry sits at the center of both challenges.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Evan Ehlers, Founder and Executive Director of PFMA member Sharing Excess, to explore how surplus food can move quickly and efficiently to communities that need it most.

Evan shares how Sharing Excess grew from a small idea into a statewide food recovery operation working directly with retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. The conversation covers logistical barriers to donation, how recovery partnerships can scale without adding operational burden, and where SNAP households fit into the larger food access conversation.

For operators, this episode offers a practical look at how reducing waste can also strengthen communities — and how collaboration across the supply chain can create measurable impact statewide.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Sustainability and energy innovation are becoming increasingly important for food and beverage businesses across Pennsylvania.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Luca Pandolfi, Founder of PFMA member Woodland Biomass Innovations, to explore how renewable fuels and forest-based solutions could intersect with the Food and Beverage Industry.

Luca explains how Woodland Biomass Innovations converts low-grade woody biomass into drop-in renewable fuels and biochar, while supporting forest health and local economic development. The conversation examines how emerging energy solutions may affect transportation and logistics, how retailers can think about long-term sustainability strategy, and what realistic energy innovation looks like for operators today.

For retailers and suppliers looking to better understand the future of renewable energy in Pennsylvania, this episode offers a practical look at where sustainability, infrastructure, and business strategy meet.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Ray Sheehan, Founder of PFMA member Old City Media, to explore how experiential marketing helps brands connect directly with consumers in meaningful, measurable ways.

Ray shares how Old City Media grew into a national experiential marketing partner, working with retailers and brands to create in-store activations, community engagement programs, and live events that drive real results. The conversation covers shopper engagement in crowded retail environments, common visibility challenges brands face, and how human-centered marketing strategies can build stronger connections and long-term loyalty.

For retailers and industry partners, this episode offers practical insight into how experiential marketing can complement traditional strategies and create memorable customer experiences where it matters most.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Food insecurity touches every corner of Pennsylvania, and addressing it requires strong coordination across the entire food system.

In the Season 9 premiere of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by Feeding Pennsylvania, the statewide network of food banks serving all 67 counties across the Commonwealth. Julie Bancroft, Chief Executive Officer, and Ryan Prater, Director of Public Policy, join the conversation to discuss how Feeding PA supports families, partners with retailers and suppliers, and advocates for effective hunger relief policy.

This episode explores the critical role of SNAP, common misconceptions about food access, the growing importance of food rescue and recovery, and how collaboration between food banks and the Food and Beverage Industry strengthens communities statewide.

For operators, this is a practical look at how partnership across the supply chain can make a measurable difference for families while supporting a stronger, more resilient food system.

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In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we dive into the evolving world of workforce development in the convenience store industry. Join Jeff Kahler, CEO & President of Ready Training Online (RTO), Paul Rankin, Vice President of Retail Marketing at Country Fair, and Steve Seymor, Director of Personal, at Country Fair.  As they share how their organizations teamed up to elevate training for frontline staff. From launching custom e-learning platforms to building a culture of development, this episode is packed with real stories, smart strategies, and a few laughs from the field. Whether you're in retail, HR, or just love hearing about creative business solutions, this conversation will leave you with insights and inspiration you can use.

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In this special episode of Shelf Confidence, we're joined by William Brock, President and CEO of Straub Brewery, one of the oldest and most iconic breweries in the country. With over 150 years of brewing history in the heart of Pennsylvania, Straub has remained proudly independent, family-owned, and deeply connected to its community. 

We’ll dive into the legacy of the brewery, the unique challenges and opportunities facing brewers in Pennsylvania, and what makes Straub’s approach to beer so enduring. From the story behind the famous Eternal Tap to insights on innovation, sustainability, and the future of brewing in the state, this episode is a deep pour into both tradition and what's ahead. 

Crack open a cold one and join us for a conversation that blends history, heart, and hops.

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Wholesalers are the backbone of the food and beverage industry, yet most consumers rarely think about how products move from manufacturers to store shelves. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we talk with Michael Gould, President of Scranton OpCo at Core-Mark, one of the largest and most established wholesale distributors in North America. 

Michael shares how Core-Mark has adapted through more than a century of change, what challenges and innovations are shaping the wholesale industry today, and how wholesalers support everything from product availability to community food access. Whether you're in retail, logistics, or just curious about how the grocery system works, this episode offers a valuable look behind the scenes.

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The Pennsylvania Lottery is a familiar presence in convenience stores and supermarkets across the state—but there’s more happening behind the counter than most customers realize. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by Executive Director Drew Svitko and Deputy Executive Director of Sales & Retail Operations Eric Grubbs to talk about how the Lottery works with retailers, what’s changing with their new system, and where proceeds actually go. 

We cover retailer incentives, vending equipment, new tools to streamline operations, and what businesses should know about getting started. Plus: some fun behind-the-scenes stories from the folks who run one of the most successful lotteries in the country.

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In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by three principals from Baker Tilly: Jeffrey Vrabel, Michael Milani, and Dave DuVarney. Together, they bring decades of experience across commercial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformation. 

We explore how middle market businesses—especially in the food and beverage space—are navigating growth, innovation, and change. From unlocking the value of data and AI to preparing for a successful sale or acquisition, this conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders at every stage.

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