Leading Food Companies to Share the Science and Technology Behind their Latest Innovations at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo

July 8, 2026 - 20:17

CHICAGO, July 8, 2026 -- The Institute of Food Technologists has offered a preview of the supplier-led sessions and demonstrations scheduled for its upcoming IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo. The event, which runs from July 12 to 15 at McCormick Place in Chicago, is expected to draw thousands of food science professionals from around the world.

Major food companies will use the expo to showcase the latest science and technology behind their newest products. The sessions are designed to give attendees a look at how ingredient suppliers and manufacturers are tackling challenges like shelf stability, texture improvement, and clean label formulation. Demonstrations will cover practical applications, from novel processing methods to advanced ingredient functionality.

IFT FIRST is known as a key gathering for the global food science community. This year's program emphasizes the role of research and development in creating safer, more sustainable, and better-tasting food. Organizers say the supplier presentations will offer a direct line to the innovations shaping the industry's future.

The expo floor will feature hundreds of exhibitors, with many planning live cooking demonstrations and interactive displays. The event also includes technical sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for professionals across academia, government, and the private sector.