IFT to Host Webinar on Optimizing Food Innovation in the Age of AI

CHICAGO – August 19, 2026 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is hosting a free webinar that will explore practical applications of AI across the food innovation lifecycle. The webinar, which is being held on August 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT, will also share lessons learned from implementation efforts and discuss the organizational, technical, and workforce considerations that influence success.

Sponsored by CoDeveloper and Datacor, Optimizing Food Innovation in the Age of AI will provide attendees with actionable insights for identifying high-value use cases, launching AI initiatives, and integrating AI into existing product development and food production operational workflows.

“As AI continues to reshape how we work, IFT is committed to being at the forefront of these conversations and helping our community navigate what that change means in practice,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “By bringing together experts who are utilizing AI, we can help food system professionals move from conversation to application and better understand how these tools can strengthen their work and advance food innovation.”

Panelists include:

• Jay Gilbert, PhD, Director of CoDeveloper & Digital Products, Institute of Food Technologists
• Jeffrey Varcoe, PhD, Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety, The JM Smucker Company
• Traci Curran, Director of Product Marketing, Datacor

In his role at IFT, Gilbert leads the strategy, development, and execution of the organization’s digital product portfolio. He led the launch of CoDeveloper – Powered by IFT, an AI-enabled R&D platform designed to accelerate food and beverage innovation through science. Before joining IFT as a scientist on staff, he was an active IFT member, serving in leadership roles at both the local and national levels. His career has focused on the intersection of science, technology, and application, working with volunteers and stakeholders across the food system to advance the science of food and its application.

Varcoe serves as the Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety at The JM Smucker Company where he is responsible for the development and execution of strategies, policies, and procedures that ensure product quality and food safety. This includes the quality assurance and food safety programs and requirements throughout the approximately 20 Smucker-owned manufacturing facilities and the broader supply chain network including copackers and suppliers. Prior to joining JM Smucker, Varcoe spent 21 years at The Schwan Food Company, where he held a variety of technical leadership roles. Varcoe has served on the IFT Board of Directors since 2023 and will assume the role of IFT President-elect on September 1, 2026.

Curran leads efforts to advance Datacor’s product portfolio and solve critical operational challenges for process manufacturers, including food, beverage, and ingredient producers navigating increasingly complex regulatory and traceability demands. With more than 20 years of experience in technology and product marketing, Curran has built and executed strategies to drive growth, deepen customer engagement, and help manufacturers accelerate innovation and strengthen their competitive edge through digital transformation

Register for the webinar.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.