Shelf Confidence

Hosted by Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Shelf Confidence is a podcast brought to you by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association that focuses on trends and innovation in the food and beverage retail industry.

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60 recent

September 3, 2026Episode 630 min

PFMA Talks Loss Prevention with Spotts Insurance

Loss prevention is not just about what happens after something goes wrong. It is about helping businesses identify risks, strengthen procedures and prevent losses before they happen. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we talk with Angel Ross, Commercial Insurance Advisor at PFMA Member Spotts Insurance, about loss prevention through the lens of risk management. The conversation explores how food and beverage businesses, from farmers and distributors to retailers and restaurants, can protect their employees, customers and operations through stronger processes, ongoing training, documentation and emerging technology. Ross also discusses why insurance advisors often look beyond legal requirements, what businesses can learn from claims trends and how proactive planning can help reduce risk across the industry. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

August 27, 2026Episode 529 min

PFMA Talks Reverse Audits with KeyTax

Sales and use tax can be complicated, especially for food and beverage businesses operating in Pennsylvania. From equipment and supplies to invoices, purchases and changing business needs, small mistakes can add up over time. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we sit down with Corey Deibler, President of PFMA Member #KeyTax, and Michael Schuenemann, VP of Partnerships & Market Expansion at KeyTax, to break down the basics of sales and use tax reverse audits. Corey and Michael explain what a reverse audit is, why overpayments happen, and how businesses can take a closer look at their records without turning the process into a major disruption. This conversation is designed to help PFMA members better understand a niche but important area of tax compliance. From common misconceptions to real-world stories, Corey and Michael share practical insight into how food and beverage businesses can identify potential overpayments, recover funds when appropriate, and make more informed decisions moving forward. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

August 20, 2026Episode 430 min

PFMA Talks Retail Tech with Ravyx

Retail technology is moving quickly, but for many small and mid-sized operators, the challenge is not chasing every new tool. It is knowing what actually makes sense for their stores, their teams, and their customers. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we sit down with Farrell McKenna, President of PFMA Member Ravyx, to talk about how food and beverage retailers can think more clearly about modernization. From POS systems and self-checkout to electronic shelf labels, robotics, data, and implementation, Farrell shares insight into what retailers are facing, what technology can realistically solve, and where operators should be cautious about hype. The conversation also explores how independent and mid-sized retailers can balance innovation with personal service, how staff buy-in shapes successful rollouts, and what the next few years may look like for stores trying to stay competitive without overcomplicating their operations. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

August 13, 2026Episode 331 min

PFMA Talks Beyond the Blue Bin with Gateway Recycling

Recycling is part of daily life for food and beverage businesses, but building a program that actually works can be easier said than done. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we sit down with Doug Moderick, Senior Account Executive at PFMA Member Gateway Recycling, to talk about commercial recycling, sustainability, common challenges, and practical ways businesses can manage materials more effectively. With more than 14 years of experience in the recycling industry, Doug helps break down what businesses need to know, from avoiding common mistakes to understanding how recycling programs can support cleaner, safer, and more efficient operations. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

August 6, 2026Episode 242 min

PFMA Talks the Business of Beverages with Vintage Imports

On this episode of Shelf Confidence, we talk with PFMA Member Vintage Imports about the changing beverage industry in Pennsylvania. Guests Michael Hodges, Dan Johnson and Trevor Nare join the show to discuss how wine, spirits and specialty beverages move through the wholesale and retail landscape, and what makes a strong wine program work. The conversation also looks at emerging beverage trends, including RTDs, non-alcoholic options, THC, CBD and other beverages. From grocery and retail to on-premise trends and Wine Expanded Permit program development, the Vintage Imports team shares insight into what retailers should consider as they build beverage programs that are practical, profitable and responsive to today’s customer. #VintageImportsWines If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

July 30, 2026Episode 146 min

PFMA Talks Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention

Human trafficking is a serious issue that can happen in plain sight, making awareness and training critical for industries that interact with the public every day. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, PFMA is joined by Philadelphia City Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad; Marisa Balanda, Deputy Policy Director at PennDOT; and Laura Cyrus, Senior Director of Industry Training and Outreach at TAT, for a conversation about human trafficking awareness, prevention and response. The discussion explores how trafficking can intersect with transportation networks, major events, convenience stores, fuel retailers, delivery operations and other frontline businesses. Guests also share insight on the importance of recognizing warning signs, reporting concerns safely and equipping employees with the tools they need to respond appropriately. For food and beverage retailers, transportation professionals and community partners, this episode highlights how awareness, preparation and industry collaboration can help protect vulnerable people and strengthen communities across Pennsylvania. #tatnonprofit #PennsylvaniaDOT If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

April 30, 2026Episode 842 min

Home-Delivered Food Access | DoorDash & Hunger-Free Pennsylvania | Shelf Confidence S9E8

Access to food is about more than supply. It is about logistics, reliability, and meeting people where they are. In this episode of Shelf Confidence , the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Daniel Riff, Head of Government and Nonprofit Operations at PFMA member DoorDash, and Stuart I.R. Haniff, Executive Director of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, to discuss Project DASH and the expansion of home-delivered food access across the Commonwealth. The conversation explores how DoorDash’s logistics platform works alongside food banks and nonprofit partners to support seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and households facing transportation barriers. It also examines how Project DASH complements programs such as TEFAP and the State Food Purchase Program, and how retailers, wholesalers, and service providers can support Food as Medicine and hunger-relief delivery initiatives. For operators, this episode provides a practical look at how technology, partnerships, and coordination across the food system are helping strengthen access while reinforcing dignity and reliability for families statewide. Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

April 23, 2026Episode 729 min

Agentic AI in Retail Operations | Upshop | Shelf Confidence S9E7

Agentic AI is moving from concept to real-world operations in retail. In this episode of Shelf Confidence , the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Mike Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of PFMA member Upshop, to break down what agentic AI actually means for day-to-day operations in the Food and Beverage Industry. The conversation explores how autonomous and semi-autonomous AI tools are being used to reduce friction, improve decision-making, and help store teams operate faster and more accurately. From inventory and shrink to execution and checkout flow, Mike shares where AI is delivering measurable value today, where it still requires guardrails, and what operators should realistically be thinking about as these tools become more common. For retailers navigating labor pressure, cost management, and operational complexity, this episode offers a practical look at how technology can support teams without replacing the people who make the business run. Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

April 16, 2026Episode 635 min

Energy Strategy & Price Risk | World Kinect | Shelf Confidence S9E6

Energy is one of the most critical inputs in the Food and Beverage Industry, yet it is often one of the least understood. In this episode of Shelf Confidence , the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Cheryl Hefft, Senior Manager at PFMA member World Kinect, and Jude Clemente, Energy Price Risk Manager, to discuss how operators can approach energy and fuel decisions more strategically. The conversation explores how price volatility affects grocery stores, distributors, wholesalers, and convenience retailers, and what advantages a consultant can bring compared to managing energy procurement alone. From bill audits and contract language to market monitoring and long-term planning, this episode breaks down practical steps businesses can take to better manage cost and risk. For operators looking to protect margins and build more resilient operations, this discussion offers a clearer view of how energy strategy fits into overall business planning. Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

April 9, 2026Episode 539 min

Employee Benefits Strategy | Assured Partners | Shelf Confidence S9E5

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. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!