Institute of Food Technologists Unveils New Membership Model

CHICAGO – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) today announced the expansion of its membership model to encompass new options that provide professionals with resources, programs, services and networking opportunities that align with all career phases. This new membership structure expands access to individuals seeking to join IFT in its mission to advance the science of food and its application across the global food system. 

IFT’s membership options are designed to provide students and professionals greater accessibility and the resources they need to advance their careers, and the science of food. The new professional membership options were developed in large part as a response to the profound shifts in our global food landscape, and unlock opportunities for the broader science of food community to share in IFT’s vision to create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all.  

“Just as the science of food industry is continually evolving, so are the needs of our members,” said Cindy Stewart, PhD, CFS, IFT President. “IFT is an inclusive, global institution, and our new membership model provides more internationally accessible, comprehensive options that reflect the needs expressed by our current and prospective members. This new model better positions IFT to help food scientists and technologists address the challenges of feeding our growing global population.” 

IFT’s new membership model offers the following levels of engagement, designed to provide individuals the resources needed to be successful at all stages of their careers: 

• Premier – Provides members optimal access and the highest discount to all of IFT’s invaluable resources, services, programs, and events, including IFT’s annual event. There is also an Early Career tiered discount available to new professionals.
• Networking and Engagement – Provides members access to a subset of resources in addition to a discount to IFT’s annual event, select programs, and resources. Great option for those new to IFT or who are looking primarily for remote global access to the IFT community.
• International Joint Membership – IFT has partnered with a select group of international associations to offer joint international membership options, which includes a subset of resources in addition to a discount to IFT’s annual event, select programs, and resources.
• Emeritus – Provides current IFT members who have fully retired from professional life in a remunerative capacity and have been a member of IFT for 20+ years similar benefits as Premier members.
• Student – Provides students access to the largest science of food community in the world in addition to a number of invaluable resources to stay up to date with the latest industry news, trends, and more. 

IFT called upon its Board of Directors, section leaders, current, past and prospective members, and conducted extensive market research to create a framework that suits the needs of current and prospective members through all stages of their careers. IFT membership provides professionals in the science of food opportunities to make a difference in their communities, and continue their personal and professional investment in the future of food science and technology on local, national, and global levels.  

To learn more about IFT membership and how to join, please visit ift.org/membership. If you have questions on how to join or new membership options, please contact IFT Central at [email protected]g or by phone at +1-312-782-8424. 

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About IFT
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of 17,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world’s greatest food challenges. Our organization works to ensure that our members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. We believe that science is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.