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

Serap Vantansever

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.

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

May 12, 2027

Northeast IFT 2027 Food Industry Expo

Connect. Discover. Innovate.

Join the Northeast Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (NEIFT) for the 2027 Food Industry Expo on Wednesday, May 12, 2027, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

This signature industry event brings together food science professionals, suppliers, technical experts, and industry partners for a day of learning, discovery, and meaningful connections. Gain new insights during technical sessions, explore supplier exhibits, discover innovative products and solutions, and build valuable relationships across the food science community.

Whether you're looking to discover new solutions, connect with suppliers, expand your professional network, or stay connected to developments in food science and technology, the Northeast IFT Food Industry Expo is your opportunity to learn, connect, and explore.

Event Details

Wednesday, May 12, 2027
DCU Center
50 Foster Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Event Schedule

10:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Technical Sessions - Free Admission

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM:Supplier Exhibits- Free Admission

Post-Expo Buffet Reception

Keep the connections and conversations going after the Expo at Peppercorn's Grille & Tavern.

455 Park Ave.
Worcester, MA 01610
Approximately a 10-minute drive from the DCU Center
Reception Cost: $40

Registration

Exhibitor and Attendee Registration Coming Soon!

Connect with the people, ideas, products, and solutions moving the food industry forward. Join Northeast IFT in Worcester for the 2027 Food Industry Expo!

Section Event

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 22, 2027

Oregon IFT Suppliers Night 2027

Connect with food industry professionals at Oregon IFT Suppliers Night 2027, one of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s premier opportunities for supplier networking and industry connections.

Hosted by the Oregon Section IFT, this in-person event brings together suppliers of food ingredients, co-packing services, food packaging, equipment, and industry services with food professionals from throughout Oregon, Southwest Washington, and the surrounding region.

Event Details

Date: Monday, February 22, 2027
Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, Northeast Multnomah Street, Portland, Oregon

Supplier tables include electricity and registration for one company representative. Additional company representatives may attend at no additional charge by selecting the Additional Company Representative ticket during registration.

Supplier Registration

Early-Bird Registration: Through November 30, 2026 | $500
General Registration: December 1, 2026–February 1, 2027 | $550
Last-Minute Registration: February 1–22, 2027 | $650

Sponsorship Opportunities

Suppliers can also increase their visibility through event sponsorships. Two Tech Talk sponsorships and five sponsorship opportunities for the event’s popular complimentary buffet are available.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your company, build new industry relationships, reconnect with food professionals, and expand your presence in the Pacific Northwest food community.

Questions? Contact OregonIFTSuppliersNight@gmail.com.

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

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