The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
Collaboration and innovation are essential to creating a food system that’s safe, equitable and sustainable. From novel processing techniques and responsible packaging solutions to genomic mapping and breakthroughs in health and nutrition, transforming the global food system requires a team approach. This year’s IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, held 14-17 July at Chicago’s McCormick Place, centres around the theme “Collaboration + innovation: How can food science and technology transform the food system?” Expected to attract more than 17,000 members of the science of food community, the event will explore how we can harness the power of cooperation to improve the entire food value chain. Learn more here about this pivotal event dedicated to shaping the future of food. Register today! What you’ll experience at IFT FIRST: Keynotes and featured sessions Hear from leading academic, government, nonprofit and business experts at this year’s keynotes and featured sessions. This year’s topics include the transformative power of artificial intelligence, global and consumer-centric innovation, science-based approaches to prevent foodborne illness, digitalisation and disruption, food as medicine and much more. Below is just a sampling of what attendees can expect:
Revolutionising food innovation through AI Unveil the transformative power of AI in food innovation at the opening keynote, exploring how collaboration across the human/machine spectrum fuels groundbreaking advancements in predictive analytics, precision engineering, biotechnology and food product development. Hear from Justin Honaman, MBA, head of worldwide retail and consumer goods go-to-market at Amazon/AWS; Nora Khaldi, PhD, founder and CEO at Nuritas; and other experts who will discuss the synergies between AI and the future of food.
The Future of the FDA’s Food Program Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from a leader at the forefront of reshaping food safety and sustainability. This keynote session features Jim Jones, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s first deputy commissioner for human foods. Deputy commissioner Jones will highlight the FDA’s strategies for protecting and promoting the health and wellness of all people through science-based approaches to prevent foodborne illness, reduce diet-related chronic disease, and ensure the safety of chemicals in food. The expo experience Engage all five senses at the largest global food science and innovation expo. With more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing food and food science intelligence, nonstop samplings, live presentations, demos and trends, the opportunities to network and connect with the most qualified ingredient, equipment, and technology providers are endless. Startup pavilion Secure your place among the 100 companies featured at IFT’s Startup Pavilion, the top-visited area of IFT FIRST that brings together global food and food-related startups at all stages of growth. Last year, the pavilion attracted nearly 9,000 visitors who spent, on average, 41 minutes browsing and engaging with 86 featured companies from 14 countries. There’s no better place for startups to network, generate leads, achieve brand visibility, source ingredients, interact with buyers and attract potential investors. All Startup Pavilion participants are eligible to take part in the IFT Startup Pavilion Pitch Competition, a multistage rapid-pitch contest spanning three days where companies compete for a $10,000 prize. Learn more about the startup pavilion and secure your spot today here. Find out more about the IFT FIRST experience and reserve your spot. Register today We’ll see you in July!