IFT CEO and IFT President to Participate in Food Science Innovation and Leadership Events in Mexico

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – May 9, 2025 – The Mexico Section of Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is welcoming IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean and IFT President Christopher Daubert, PhD, for an unforgettable three-day celebration of food science. The festivities kick off on Monday, May 12, with Daubert, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, participating in the panel “Mexico-US Perspectives: The Route of Change in the Food Industry,” which will be moderated by IFT Mexico Section President Juan Vilches. The session, which will be held at the MIND Building at Board of Industrial Chambers of Jalisco, will also feature Ernesto Sanchez Proal, PhD, President of the American Chamber Guadalajara and Fernando Acosta, President of Food Industrial Chamber of Jalisco.

The following day, Daubert, Tarantino-Dean, Vilches, and IFT Mexico Section Vice President Katya De La Fuente, PhD, will serve as part of an eight-person jury for the second edition of Innovation Contest IFT 2025. Thirty-two projects were submitted by students from universities throughout Mexico with the winner receiving an industrial prototype of their project.

“We are so excited to receive so many different concepts of new products that might be the ‘Next Big Thing’ in the food industry,” said Vilches. “Our commitment as the IFT Mexico Section is to connect the future leaders and innovators with the food industry ecosystems and also to support young talents to use food science as a driver of change in the world.”

As part of the Welcome Ceremony, Daubert will discuss “The Future of Food Science” with attendees. Earlier this year, Daubert delivered the prestigious Binsted Lecture in London at an event that was a collaboration between IFT’s British Section, the Food and Drink Federation, the Institute of Food Science and Technology, and Campden BRI, a global leader in food and drink science and research.

“I can’t think of a more important moment to be discussing the future of food science,” said Daubert. “From breakthroughs in technology to evolving regulatory frameworks and shifts in how we educate the next generation, we’re witnessing transformation across every part of the food system. In times like these, bringing our global IFT community together is essential to driving innovation and creating a more resilient, sustainable future.”

The week then wraps up on May 14 at the IFT Mexico Section Women in Science Forum, which is being held at Panamerican University in Guadalajara. Tarantino-Dean will discuss “Women in Leadership in the Food Industry.” As IFT CEO for the last 11 years, Tarantino-Dean is widely regarded as one of the most respected leaders in the food association space. Last year, she was named the Samuel B. Shapiro Award winner for Chief Staff Executive Achievement – the highest honor bestowed on an association professional by Association Forum.

“I’m honored to visit IFT’s Mexico Section and connect with the vibrant and dedicated members. This group embodies the passion that defines the IFT community,” said Tarantino-Dean. “I’m especially excited to shine a light on the extraordinary contributions of women in food science—past and present—who are driving meaningful change all around the world and impacting the global food system for the better.”

Originally formed in 1956, the Mexico Section of IFT is one of 46 IFT Sections that includes four non-U.S. Sections – Japan England, and Canada. IFT Sections allow food science professionals to network with their local peers through a variety of events and opportunities. To learn more about becoming an IFT member and gaining access to numerous networking opportunities and educational resources, go to IFT Membership.

The latest in food science, research, and technology will be on full display this summer when IFT hosts its annual IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo July 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago. IFT FIRST unites top experts throughout the science of food disciplines across academia, industry, and government to address the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, and food safety. To learn more or to register, go to IFT FIRST registration.

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]