IFT Webinar to Explore Key Trends Driving Food Innovation in 2026

CHICAGO – May 1, 2026 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is hosting a webinar on “Top Trends Transforming Food Innovation in 2026” on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT. Free and open to the public, the webinar will feature experts from industry and regulatory sectors exploring the key trends driving food innovation in 2026 as well as what those trends mean for product development, formulation, and go-to-market strategy.

Sponsored by Kerry Group, an international leader in taste and nutrition innovation, the webinar will help attendees understand how evolving regulatory expectations are influencing product development and formulation decisions, as well as identify strategies for aligning consumer insights, scientific advancements, and regulatory requirements in innovation pipelines.

Featured speakers:

• Soumya Nair, Global Director of Insights and Data, Kerry Group
• Jaime Reeves, PhD, Chief Technology Officer at Mattson
• Veronica Colas, Partner, Hogan Lovells

Nair will share a data-driven perspective on emerging consumer behaviors, flavor trends, and innovation priorities shaping the future of food and beverage, while Reeves, who also serves as an IFT Board member, will add her perspective as an expert in the field of product development and innovation at scale. Meanwhile, Colas will provide insight into the evolving regulatory environment, including shifts in ingredient safety scrutiny, labeling expectations, and policy developments such as the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.

“Innovation in food is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative as the food system undergoes one of the most rapid transformations in its history. From next-generation ingredients to smarter, more sustainable production, these food trends are impacting every part of the value chain as emerging technologies and consumer shifts create new opportunities across the industry,” said IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Brendan Niemira, PhD.

Register for the webinar.

Many next-generation ingredients will be on display this year at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, the leading food science and innovation expo being held July 12-15, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. IFT members receive a significant discount to IFT FIRST and have access to an extensive library of exclusive content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities. Learn more about joining this growing community at Become a Member.

Additional 2026 Trends Content:

• Top 10 Food Trends (Food Technology)
• What’s on the Menu for 2026? (Brain Food Blog)
• 2026 Consumer Food Trends (Omnivore Podcast)

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.