See How the Food Community Is Responding to a Changing Food Landscape at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo

CHICAGO – March 4, 2025 – 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 pleased to announce that registration is now open for IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, which is being held July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The world of food is evolving, driving a new era fueled by healthy innovation for people and planet. From food additives and ultra-processed foods to safety recalls and nutritional shifts, attendees at IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) will see how the global food system is adapting to a changing food environment as leading companies and top experts provide a glimpse at the future of food.

IFT FIRST unites top experts throughout the science of food disciplines across academia, industry, and government. Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST addresses the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, sustainability and climate, food safety, and consumer insights. The dynamic expo floor, a celebration of the latest food innovations and technologies, features some of the top food, health, and wellness companies in the world launching or showcasing the products and solutions that will help usher in a new era of food.

“As we see a broader focus on the science of food and its place in the food system, collaboration and innovation have never been more critical,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “IFT FIRST is where the world’s leading experts come together to tackle the food system’s biggest challenges and share groundbreaking research. For those who want to be at the forefront of innovation and make connections that drive real progress, IFT FIRST is the place to be.”

Keynotes will focus on critical food topics including:

• Reducing salt, sugar, and fats
• The future of food additives
• GLP-1’s short- and long-term impact on the food industry

Meanwhile, popular features including the Startup Pavilion and rapid-pitch competition known as The Pitch!, networking events and opportunities that include exhibitor-to-attendee matchmaking, as well as student product development and research competitions return once again as the latest iteration of IFT’s longstanding annual meeting is guaranteed to be one of its most memorable.

Register for IFT FIRST before April 19, 2025, and receive an early bird discount. IFT members also receive a special discount. To learn more, email [email protected].

About IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo is one of the most influential food technology events in the world as it unites instrumental leaders across the global food system to help shape the future of food. Each year, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes prominent food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features a dynamic expo floor that connects many of the top global food and wellness companies with buyers and those with purchasing influence, while also offering cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers valuable networking opportunities, unique food competitions, and engaging interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system. For more information, go to www.iftevent.org.

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.

Media Contacts

Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
[email protected]

Frannie Comstock
Manager, PR and Organizational Communications
Institute of Food Technologists
513-374-8900
[email protected]