Tastepoint by IFF, Philadelphia, said it will launch its taste innovation showcase, FirsTaste, on Sept. 27. Themed “A Fresh Take on Taste”, it will be a premium event for current and prospective Tastepoint customers. The event has its roots in the popular Innovation Roadshow, presented by David Michael & Company Inc. Tastepoint by IFF’s parent company, New York-based International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), acquired David Michael in 2016.

“Our theme this year says it all, ‘A Fresh Take on Taste,’” said Dan Byrne, general manager of Tastepoint by IFF. “We’re honoring the legacy that brought us to this point and building on it with some truly innovative, exciting tastes, technologies and applications that represent equally exciting business opportunities for our customers.”

At the heart of Tastepoint is the corporate culture of “know-how meets no limits,” as well as a commitment to inspiring a drive for “tasteworthiness” throughout the food and beverage industry, the company said. FirsTaste 2018 is all about creating solutions and bringing imagination to life through the use of science, technology and market studies; appreciating what’s relevant now; and uncovering trends that will energize the future.

Alongside thought leaders and problem-solvers, attendees will nurture their creativity and recharge their innovative edge. Tastepoint said the event also will strive to take attendees’ vision beyond the immediate future and short-term business benefits to see and be part of the future of taste.

The event will be held at Penn State at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, Tastepoint by IFF said. It will kick off the evening of Sept. 26 with a special trend trek event and continue on Sept. 27 with keynote speeches and more.

The event will culminate with the FirsTaste Showcase, which will give attendees a glimpse of some of the tastes and trends that will drive the industry over the next few years. The showcase will include displays of innovative, unusual and provocative flavors, as well as products and applications. A detailed schedule of events and an outline of specific opportunities will be released soon.