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 gearing up to host its flagship event—IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo—from July 13 to 16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. As one of the premier gatherings for food technologists, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and researchers, IFT FIRST 2025 will offer a powerful combination of immersive experiences, science-backed sessions, and forward-thinking product demonstrations aimed at shaping the future of food innovation.
The heart of the event is the sprawling Food Science and Innovation Expo, where leading exhibitors from around the world will showcase breakthroughs in ingredients, processing equipment, food safety solutions, R&D tools, digital technologies, packaging materials, and more. The Expo is more than just a product showcase—it’s a dynamic learning and networking environment, featuring stages and programming designed to foster inspiration, collaboration, and hands-on exploration.
Among the key attractions are:
- Taste of Science Stage – A multisensory hub where attendees can sample ingredients, engage in product tastings, and watch live demos that connect food science to consumer experience.
- Solutions Showcase Stage – Focused on critical challenges and scientific breakthroughs, this stage features short talks from innovators who are solving real-world problems through food technology.
- Hot Topics Studio – A more casual, interactive setting where industry leaders host informal conversations around pressing issues like climate resilience, food security, supply chain innovation, and regulatory changes.
“One of the most exciting aspects of IFT FIRST is the opportunity it creates for attendees to explore the science and innovation behind some of the industry’s most forward-thinking products,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “These demonstrations aren’t just about what’s new—they’re a springboard for bigger ideas, deeper connections, and opportunities to elevate product development and drive progress. IFT FIRST is where the future of food begins to take shape. It truly embodies Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology.”
A Look at Must-See Supplier Sessions
Several leading companies will present breakthrough technologies and insights at this year’s event. Here’s a preview of some of the most anticipated supplier-led scientific sessions:
FoodChain ID: Automate Your Insights – Practical AI That Puts Knowledge to Work
📅 Wednesday, July 16 | 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
FoodChain ID, a global regulatory compliance and digital transformation leader in the food and beverage sector, will unveil an innovative AI-powered formulation guidance tool that promises to accelerate product development and reduce risk. Titled “Automate Your Insights: Practical AI That Puts Knowledge to Work,” the session will feature insights from a panel of experts, including a digital transformation specialist from FoodChain ID.
At the center of the presentation is FoodChain ID Mentor, an AI platform designed to transform regulatory documents, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and institutional knowledge into instant, actionable guidance. By integrating internal protocols with FoodChain ID’s extensive curated datasets and industry expertise, the tool offers developers real-time answers that help streamline decision-making, reduce compliance errors, and speed up time-to-market.
This session will be especially valuable for R&D professionals, regulatory teams, and product managers seeking scalable, AI-enhanced tools to stay competitive in a fast-evolving regulatory landscape.
Infor and Ruiz Foods: Closing the Value Gap with Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing
📅 Monday, July 14 | 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Infor, a leading provider of cloud-based software for specific industries, will team up with Ruiz Foods to explore how next-generation technologies are closing performance gaps in the food manufacturing sector. The session, titled “Closing the Value Gap with Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing,” will offer a real-world look at how manufacturers are leveraging tools like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and AI to improve agility, reduce costs, and streamline processes.
Attendees will learn how to use digital platforms to uncover new growth opportunities and respond to evolving market demands. Infor will also be available at Booth S3858 for deeper conversations and product demonstrations.
Ingredion: Solve the Texture Equation – Solutions That Drive Consumer Preference
Texture is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in consumer satisfaction. Ingredion’s session will dive into “The Texture Equation,” offering a scientific and sensory exploration of how to engineer superior mouthfeel and functionality across food categories.
Through a mix of data-driven insights, technical demonstrations, and trend analysis, Ingredion’s team will explain how texture contributes to the success of plant-based products, dairy alternatives, snacks, and other trending formats. Participants will gain actionable knowledge on how to meet evolving consumer expectations for consistency, freshness, and indulgence—without sacrificing nutrition or label transparency.
POM Wonderful Specialty Ingredients: Fruit to Function – Enhancing Shelf Life, Sensory Quality, and Sustainability
📅 Monday, July 14
In this science-focused session, POM Wonderful will spotlight POMxL, a pomegranate extract that brings both sensory and functional benefits to food applications. Chef Josh Park of Suji’s Korean Kitchen will share how the brand integrated the extract into its 5-Spice Pork Bao Buns, sold at Costco, to improve flavor, preserve freshness, and support clean-label claims.
This session emphasizes how polyphenol-rich fruit extracts can serve as natural preservatives and antioxidants, reducing the need for artificial additives while improving shelf stability and consumer appeal. Visit Booth S1707 or explore more at
Tate & Lyle: The Power of Stevia Reb M – Sweetness, Functionality, and a Resilient Supply Chain
Tate & Lyle will present an engaging Taste of Science session on how Stevia Reb M, a high-purity steviol glycoside, is advancing sugar reduction efforts in the beverage industry. Co-presenting with Manus, they’ll explain how their All-Americas supply chain ensures consistent sourcing and quality across markets.
The session will cover technical insights into how Reb M enhances sweetness without bitterness, how it performs across beverage types, and how it supports regulatory and clean-label objectives. With sugar reduction remaining a priority for both regulators and consumers, this session will offer strategies to future-proof beverage development.
Science That Drives the Future of Food
Beyond individual sessions and exhibits, IFT FIRST 2025 will be a convergence point for global thought leaders across disciplines—bringing together academic researchers, food technologists, policy makers, and industry executives. Through its multi-disciplinary programming, the event will spotlight breakthroughs across key areas such as:
- Health and Nutrition
- Food Safety and Quality
- Climate Resilience and Sustainability
- Consumer Behavior and Insights
- Novel Processing Technologies and AI
Whether you’re a product developer, food scientist, startup founder, or regulatory specialist, IFT FIRST 2025 offers the insights, tools, and connections needed to succeed in today’s evolving food landscape.
