Food Innovation Takes Center Stage IFT FIRST Annual Event to Highlight AI’s Role in Healthy Food Innovation
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is placing a strong spotlight on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of food. As the global food industry faces mounting challenges—including the need to improve public health, ensure environmental sustainability, and strengthen food security—IFT is emphasizing how AI-driven technologies can accelerate innovation and deliver practical, science-based solutions.
This focus will take center stage at the upcoming IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, one of the world’s premier gatherings for food science and innovation professionals. The event is set to return to McCormick Place in Chicago from July 12–15, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and technology providers. This year’s edition will feature an expansive lineup of programming, exhibitions, and immersive experiences focused on the next generation of AI-supported food innovation.
A key highlight of the event will be the Artificial Intelligence keynote session titled “Designing with Intelligence: Practical AI for Faster, Smarter, Safer Food Innovation.” Scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CT, the session will showcase how AI is being applied in real-world food industry scenarios. The keynote will be delivered by Alon Chen, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Tastewise, a company known for leveraging AI to analyze consumer data and translate it into actionable insights.
During his presentation, Chen is expected to share practical examples of how AI platforms can convert vast amounts of consumer signals—such as purchasing patterns, social media trends, and dietary preferences—into science-based decisions that guide product development and research and development (R&D) strategies. These insights are increasingly valuable for food companies seeking to create products that align with evolving consumer demands, particularly in areas such as health and wellness, clean labeling, and sustainable sourcing.
The keynote session will be hosted by Jay Gilbert, PhD, a prominent figure in food innovation and the driving force behind CoDeveloper, IFT’s proprietary AI-powered R&D platform. Gilbert’s role underscores IFT’s broader commitment to integrating advanced digital tools with rigorous scientific research to support the food industry’s innovation pipeline.
CoDeveloper represents a significant advancement in how food scientists and product developers approach formulation and problem-solving. Developed by food scientists for food scientists, the platform is designed to incorporate proven scientific principles into the product development process. By combining the computational speed and pattern-recognition capabilities of AI with IFT’s extensive repository of more than 85 years of peer-reviewed research and published content, CoDeveloper enables users to accelerate formulation development, troubleshoot technical challenges, and make more informed decisions.
Since its introduction at IFT FIRST 2025, CoDeveloper has gained traction among companies across the food and beverage sector. Organizations are increasingly leveraging the platform to enhance their R&D efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and ensure that innovation efforts are grounded in validated scientific knowledge. At this year’s event, attendees will have the opportunity to explore CoDeveloper firsthand at its dedicated booth within the AI and Technology Pavilion, where demonstrations and expert discussions will highlight its capabilities and applications.
According to Jay Gilbert, AI is no longer a future concept but a present-day force reshaping nearly every aspect of the food ecosystem. He emphasizes that the true competitive advantage lies not in replacing human expertise with AI, but in using AI to amplify it. When built on trusted data, validated by human oversight, and guided by strong governance frameworks, AI can significantly enhance formulation processes, improve product quality and consistency through predictive analytics, and transform consumer insights into actionable strategies.
Beyond the keynote, the event will also feature a specialized AI-themed guided tour designed to provide attendees with a hands-on understanding of how AI is being implemented across the food value chain. Scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. CT, the tour will take participants through various exhibits showcasing AI-enabled tools and platforms.
During the tour, attendees will explore applications of AI in food research, product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Exhibitors will demonstrate how technologies such as predictive modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data-driven optimization tools are being used to streamline formulation design, enhance production efficiency, and maintain consistent product quality. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with technology providers, discuss real-world use cases, and gain insights into how AI can support decision-making processes, reduce development timelines, and improve operational outcomes.
In addition to its focus on technology and innovation, IFT FIRST continues to serve as a vital platform for professional development and networking. Members of the Institute of Food Technologists benefit from discounted registration rates for both CoDeveloper and the event itself, making it more accessible for professionals at various stages of their careers. Membership also provides access to a comprehensive library of scientific content, industry resources, and a wide range of virtual and in-person networking opportunities.
As the food industry navigates an increasingly complex landscape, the integration of AI into food science and technology is poised to play a critical role in addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. From improving nutritional outcomes and reducing environmental impact to enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring food safety, AI-driven innovation offers a pathway toward a more sustainable and secure global food system.
By highlighting these advancements at IFT FIRST 2026, the Institute of Food Technologists is not only showcasing cutting-edge technologies but also fostering a collaborative environment where science, data, and innovation intersect. The event underscores the organization’s ongoing mission to empower food professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to drive meaningful progress across the global food ecosystem.
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