Our History
Feeding the minds that feed the world
Founded in 1939, IFT was based on a vision…the vision of a small group of scientists who believed that communication among professionals involved in food science and technology was essential to the progress of these emerging disciplines.
Since that time, IFT has grown both in numbers and in impact. With members from virtually every discipline related to food science and technology, and from more than 100 countries around the world, IFT has truly become a voice for those dedicated to the science of food.
IFT’s founders laid out the five objectives in the organization’s constitution:
- Facilitate the interchange of ideas among its members
- Stimulate scientific investigations into technical problems dealing with the manufacture and distribution of food
- Promulgate the results of research in food technology
- Offer a forum for discussion
- Plan, organize, and administer projects for the advancement of food science
It’s a testament to the foresight of our organization’s leaders that these objectives are as relevant today—if not more so—than they were more than 70 years ago.
Strengthening Our Community…And Advancing the Science of Food
IFT builds on our rich history as a forum for like-minded professionals to gather, network, learn, and contribute to the global advancement of science. At a time when the world is getting smaller and there is a need to advance the science of food to address critical societal issues such as hunger, malnutrition, and sustainability, we are committed to:
- Remaining progressive
- Demonstrating leadership
- Facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge
- Encouraging innovation within the food industry
Through their contributions, our members have shown us that there is no challenge too great, no obstacle insurmountable, and no problem we can’t solve—when we work together.