The Institute of Food Technologists IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo will return July 13 to 16 at McCormick Place in Chicago and will feature several educational sessions focused on health and wellness, one of the hottest topics today. 

Keynotes will focus on reducing salt, sugar, and fats; the future of food additives; and GLP-1’s short- and long-term impact on the food industry.

“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,” the Chicago-based scientific organization states.

The nonprofit is committed to advancing the science of food and its applications across the global food system. To accomplish this goal, IFT FIRST unites experts throughout the science of food disciplines across academia, industry, and government. The tradeshow 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 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.”

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, which “is guaranteed to be one of its most memorable.”

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists 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 its 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. 

For more information, go to www.iftevent.org.