Protein Division

Protein Division is a platform for science of food professionals and students to connect, collaborate, and learn the science and technology of proteins including animal-, plant-, cellular-, biomass-, and precision fermentation-based. We thrive to connect our community and develop tools and resources to educate professionals and students who are interested in the science and technology of proteins.

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Chairperson

Jose Bonilla

Protein Division

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Social

1250+

Members

2015

Year Founded

Protein

The word protein has been used since 1883.

Noteworthy Programs

Proteins of the Future Challenge Competition

Want to be part of the global protein transition? Participate in teams to let us know how you would approach some of the current challenges related with protein transition. Topics include environmental impact, scale up, functionality, nutritional value, and commercial/market research. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to participate.

Infographics

Check out infographics created by the Protein Division, published in Food Technology.
(1) U.S. Consumer’s Appetite for Plant-Based Proteins
(2) How Protein Sources Measure Up

Division Accomplishments/Recognitions

The Outstanding Volunteer award honors a current Division member who provided exemplary volunteer work to the Division in the current year. The 2024-2025 recipient is Thilini Dissanayake.

The Outstanding Service award honors current Division members who have demonstrated a history of service to the Division or field. The 2024-2025 recipient is Serap Vatansever.

Division Oral Competition Finalists

First: Thilini Dissanayake, University of Manitoba, Canada: Low Temperature Induced Hemp Protein Gels as Encapsulation Wall Materials: Effects of Crosslinkers, Pre-Treatment, and Protein Extraction Techniques

Second: Ramdattu Santhapur, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Formation and Characterization of Mycelium-Potato Protein Hybrid Materials for Application in Meat Analogs or Substitutes

Third: Disha Jayakumar, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Fabrication of Mycelium-Gellan Gum Hybrids as Next Generation Alternative Protein Foods Produced by Fermentation

Proteins of the Future Challenge Winners

First Place Winners:

Jared Lou Rivera, Kansas State UniversityRania Buenavista, Kansas State UniversityRoselle Barretto, Kansas State UniversitySuhan Bheemaiah, Kansas State University

Second Place Winners:

Zainab Husain, University of ManitobaVidheesha Abeysinghe, University of ManitobaChamali Kodikara, University of ManitobaVictoria Mizrachi Chavez, University of ManitobaThilini Dissanayake, University of Manitoba

Third Place Winners:

Bingqi Chen, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleElizabeth Cathey, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleAbby Rodriguez, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleJulia Prince, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

InfoFoodrafic: A Global Infographic Competition

First Place Winners:

Brandon Freire, Louisiana State UniversityIvannova Lituma, Louisiana State University

Second Place Winner:

Tharindu Trishan Dapana Durage, Louisiana State University

Third Place Winners:

Imroati Fatimatuzzahra, IPB UniversityLathifa Novianti Lyantin, IPB University

Ready to Join IFT?

Gain access to an invaluable network, resources, and insights to help you make greater contributions through your work and to the future of food.

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Upcoming Events

April 6, 2027

Bonneville Section Supplier Night

Save the Date: IFT Utah Food Expo Supplier's Night

Join food industry professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators for the IFT Utah Food Expo Supplier's Night, hosted by the IFT Bonneville Section in partnership with the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) Western Regional Section and Utah's Own.

Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2027
Location: Utah Valley University, UCCU Center
800 West University Parkway, Orem, Utah

What's New for 2027?

Expanded exhibit space with no limit on Utah's Own company tabletop exhibits
Free admission
New venue at Utah Valley University's UCCU Center
Enhanced opportunities to connect with suppliers, manufacturers, and industry experts

Make the Most of Your Visit

Attendees are encouraged to extend their stay and participate in the Supply Side East Expo, taking place April 7-8, 2027, at the Utah Valley Convention Center (UVCC).

Mark your calendar and watch for more information. We look forward to seeing you in Orem in April 2027!

Bonneville IFT Save The Date

Section Event

March 25, 2027

Florida Suppliers Night Expo 2027

Join food and beverage professionals from across Florida and beyond at the Florida Suppliers Night Expo 2027, one of the industry's premier regional trade shows and networking events.

Taking place at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, this two-day event brings together industry leaders, innovators, suppliers, manufacturers, ingredient companies, service providers, and customers to explore the latest trends, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of food and beverage.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, March 24, 2027, with a networking Golf Outing, followed by Short Courses and the Expo on Thursday, March 25, 2027.

Attendees will have opportunities to connect with industry experts, discover innovative products and services, expand their professional networks, and create valuable business partnerships.

While deeply rooted in Florida's thriving food industry, the Expo continues to attract exhibitors and attendees from across the United States and around the globe, making it a must-attend event for professionals seeking new ideas, meaningful connections, and business growth.

Event Details

Golf Outing: Wednesday, March 24, 2027
Short Courses & Expo: Thursday, March 25, 2027
Location: Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

Register today and secure your place at one of the Southeast's most anticipated food and beverage industry events. Learn more, exhibit, or attend by visiting iftflorida.org/suppliers-night.

Section Event

March 2, 2027

SCIFTS Suppliers Night Expo

About the Event

The 2027 SCIFTS Suppliers Night Expo is Southern California's premier food industry trade show, bringing together ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, product developers, researchers, and food industry decision-makers for an evening of networking, innovation, and business development.

Hosted by the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTS), this annual event provides exhibitors with direct access to qualified industry professionals actively seeking new ingredients, technologies, services, and solutions.

Event Details

March 2, 2027

Hyatt Regency Orange County
11999 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92840

3:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Learn More

Section Event

February 2, 2027

Cactus Section IFT Suppliers Night Expo

Connect with the Food Industry in One Place

Join the Cactus Section IFT for the 2027 Supplier Night at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. This free industry event brings together food and beverage professionals, ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, innovators, and food scientists for an afternoon and evening of networking, discovery, and collaboration.

Explore the Expo Floor

Meet leading suppliers and solution providers showcasing the latest ingredients, technologies, processing solutions, packaging innovations, and product development expertise. Sample products, discover emerging trends, and connect directly with professionals who can help bring your ideas to market.

Network with Industry Peers

Continue the conversation during the evening cocktail reception featuring networking opportunities, raffle giveaways, food and beverage offerings, and live demonstrations.

Event Schedule

Expo Floor: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cocktails & Networking Reception: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2027
Time: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, Canyon Ballroom, Phoenix, Arizona

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Bring your colleagues and discover why Supplier Night remains one of the Southwest's premier food industry networking events.

Learn More

Section Event

December 10, 2026

Cactus Section IFT Holiday Networking Event

Celebrate the season with the Cactus Section IFT Holiday Networking Event at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Scottsdale. Connect with food science professionals, industry leaders, and colleagues while enjoying great food, wine, and conversation.

Section Event

November 19, 2026

Longhorn IFT Section 2026 Suppliers Expo

Join the IFT Longhorn Section for its annual Suppliers Expo, bringing together food science professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders for a day of learning, networking, and discovery.

Kick things off on Wednesday, November 18 at the Topgolf Scholarship Fundraiser, one of the most popular events of the year.

On Thursday, November 19, attend the Longhorn IFT Expo & Technical Sessions in Frisco, Texas. Explore the latest products and innovations at the Expo, participate in technical seminars, and connect with industry professionals throughout the day. The event concludes with an evening networking reception.

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, discover new solutions, or build professional relationships, this two-day event offers something for everyone.

Section Event

November 5, 2026

Alamo Section Golf Outing

25th Annual Alamo IFT Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards Dinner

Join the Alamo Section IFT for its 25th Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards Dinner, at the newly selected Brackenridge Golf Course in San Antonio, Texas. This milestone event combines friendly competition, networking, and scholarship recognition in support of the next generation of food science professionals.

Golfers will enjoy a scramble-format tournament, a freshly cooked burger lunch, and an evening reception and scholarship awards dinner celebrating student achievement and academic excellence.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Location: Brackenridge Golf Course (New Course!)
2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215
Phone: (210) 226-5612

Schedule

10:45 AM – Tournament Registration
12:00 PM – Shotgun Start (Scramble Format)
5:30 PM – Reception, Scholarship Awards Dinner & Awards Presentation

Registration Information

Entry Registration Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026

Secure your spot and join colleagues, friends, and industry professionals for a day of golf, networking, and scholarship support.

Section Event

October 24, 2026

Northeast Section Vermont Fall Orchard Experience

Vermont Fall Orchard Experience

Experience the beauty of Vermont in peak fall season with an afternoon of networking, local flavors, and orchard adventures at Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, VT.

Bring your family, friends, or colleagues and enjoy a memorable autumn outing surrounded by stunning foliage and Lake Champlain views. The event begins in the Cider Garden, where attendees can connect while enjoying lawn games, fire pits, and food and beverages available for purchase. Participants can then choose to tour the apple orchard and explore the farm market, followed by a delicious food demonstration featuring tastings of Vermont maple and fruit products paired with local beverages, including cider.

Whether you're looking to network, enjoy the outdoors, or simply experience one of Vermont's premier fall destinations, this event offers something for everyone.

Date: October 24
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Champlain Orchards, Shoreham, Vermont

🍎 Don't miss this unforgettable Vermont fall experience! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today and join us for an afternoon of seasonal flavors, orchard exploration, and great company.

Section Event

October 20-22, 2026

Intermountain Section IFT Symposium

Save the Date for Our 2026 Symposium!

We're headed back to Sun Valley, October 20-22, 2026 for our annual symposium.

This year's theme, Elevate: Reach Your Summit of Success, will inspire attendees to grow professionally, expand their networks, and gain insights from industry experts.

Meet with industry leaders, new faces, and expert presenters that will accelerate your success in the food industry. As always, there will be plenty of time to network, build new relationships, and strengthen existing connections.

Learn More

Section Event

How to Join a Division

Joining a Division is easy! Signing up for a Division gives you access to the Division’s IFT Connect Community, signs you up for their newsletter, and gives you access to Subject Matter Experts in the field. To sign up for a Division, visit IFT-Divisions. After signing into your account, check the boxes of the Divisions you would like to be involved with and click save.

Join Today

Noteworthy Programs

Proteins of the Future Challenge Competition

Infographics

Check out infographics created by the Protein Division, published in Food Technology.
(1) U.S. Consumer’s Appetite for Plant-Based Proteins
(2) How Protein Sources Measure Up