Latest news with #IFT
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Leading Food Companies to Share the Science and Technology Behind Their Latest Innovations at IFT FIRST
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is proud to share a sneak peek at a few of the supplier scientific sessions and demonstrations that will take place at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, the popular food technology showcase being held July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The centerpiece of the event is the food science and innovation expo featuring exhibitors from across the global food system sharing the latest in ingredients, equipment, processing, technology, safety, R&D, and packaging solutions. "These demonstrations aren't just about what's new – they're a springboard for bigger ideas, deeper connections, and opportunities to elevate product development and drive progress." - IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean This includes the Taste of Science stage where attendees can enjoy an array of ingredient samples, interactive demos, and product tastings; the Solutions Showcase stage where presenters dive into the challenges and opportunities in the science of food; as well as the Hot Topics Studio, which offers a more relaxed, informal atmosphere as top experts 'chat' with attendees about important topics impacting the food industry today. 'One of the most exciting aspects of IFT FIRST is the opportunity it creates for attendees to explore the science and innovation behind some of the industry's most forward-thinking products," said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO, Institute of Food Technologists. "These demonstrations aren't just about what's new – they're a springboard for bigger ideas, deeper connections, and opportunities to elevate product development and drive progress. IFT FIRST is where the future of food begins to take shape – it truly is F ood I mproved by R esearch, S cience, and T echnology.' Here is a glimpse at some of the can't-miss supplier sessions at IFT FIRST: FoodChain ID: Automate Your Insights: Practical AI That Puts Knowledge to Work Join a panel of food and beverage industry experts, including a digital transformation expert from FoodChain ID, to learn about a new innovative AI-powered formulation guidance tool at ' Automate Your Insights: Practical AI That Puts Knowledge to Work ' on Wednesday, July 16, from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Discover how an embedded AI model is accelerating product development, reducing compliance risk and integrating institutional know-how, enabling teams to make confident decisions at speed. FoodChain ID Mentor turns SOPs, regulatory protocols, and organizational knowledge into real-time formulation advice. The AI innovation provides a practical approach to ensure that guidance is immediately applicable and beneficial for the day-to-day challenges faced by food and beverage product developers. By combining FoodChain ID's deep industry expertise, expert-curated data and rulesets, and a company's own criteria, FoodChain ID Mentor delivers highly actionable outcomes. Infor: Infor, a global leader in industry-specialized business cloud software, is excited to announce its speaking session with Ruiz Foods at IFT FIRST on Monday, July 14, from 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. The session, titled ' Closing the Value Gap with Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing,' will explore how top performing organizations tackle challenges like rising costs, regulatory pressures, and supply chain disruptions. Attendees will gain insights into the real-world application of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and its crucial role in driving industry transformation. Discover how technology like PLM and AI identify growth opportunities, enhance business agility, and streamline processes to expedite market entry. Visit Infor at Booth S3858 and schedule a meeting for more information. Ingredion: Solve the Texture Equation – Solutions That Drive Consumer Preference Join Ingredion's experts at IFT FIRST as they decode the Texture Equation, revealing how insights-driven expertise, technical mastery, and comprehensive solutions combine to create exceptional eating experiences. Discover how consumer and market trends are shaping the demand for products with superior texture and learn how these unique qualities can set products apart in the market. Ingredion experts will discuss how the right texture can enhance both the sensory experience and the functionality of food products. POM Wonderful Specialty Ingredients: Fruit to Function: Enhancing Shelf Life, Sensory Quality, and Sustainability Discover how pomegranate extract is reshaping food and beverage innovation at IFT FIRST in Chicago on July 14. This science-forward session explores its impact on flavor, nutrition, and sustainability. Chef Josh Park of Suji's Korean Kitchen will share how Suji's integrated POMxL extract into their popular 5-Spice Pork Bao Buns at Costco. Ideal for developers and R&D professionals, don't miss this dynamic look at functional ingredients in action. To learn more, stop by Booth S1707 or go to Tate & Lyle: The Power of Stevia Reb M: Sweetness, Functionality, and a Resilient Supply Chain Stevia Reb M is transforming beverage innovation by enabling sugar reduction without compromising on taste or mouthfeel. This Taste of Science Session explores how Tate & Lyle and Manus deliver an all-Americas supply of Stevia Reb M – ensuring reliable sourcing, consistent quality, and multifunctional performance. Attendees will gain insight into how Reb M enhances sweetness perception, supports clean-label claims, and meets sensory expectations in beverages. Technical aspects of formulation, regulatory labeling, and flavor optimization will be covered, along with strategies for maximizing functionality across product lines. As sugar reduction and supply chain stability remain top-of-mind, this session offers a forward-looking roadmap for crafting beverages that deliver both consumer appeal and operational resilience. IFT FIRST unites top experts throughout the science of food disciplines. Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST 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 dynamic 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. Register for IFT FIRST. IFT members receive special pricing on registration. To learn more, email membershipinfo@ About IFT FIRST IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo is one of the most influential food technology events in the world as it unites instrumental leaders across the global food system to help shape the future of food. Each year, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes prominent food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features a dynamic expo floor that connects many of the top global food and wellness companies with buyers and those with purchasing influence, while also offering cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers valuable networking opportunities, unique food competitions, and engaging interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system. For more information, go to 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
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IFT Launches Groundbreaking Research & Development Tool to Support Accelerated Product Development Demands
CHICAGO, July 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is proud to announce the launch of CoDeveloper, a proprietary AI-powered R&D platform that delivers science into the product development process, accelerating formula development and overcoming technical roadblocks to help bring the world better food. Built by IFT's team of food scientists, this platform harnesses the computing speed of AI to connect users to IFT's 85-plus years of peer-reviewed research and published content while they're developing market-competitive products. Key features include Sous, a built-in generative AI co-scientist, advanced formulation tools for iterative development, and science-optimized reverse engineering. CoDeveloper also features enterprise-grade security to keep a user's proprietary data safely connected to nearly a century of proven, trusted science when users need it most. "The food system is evolving rapidly, and IFT is uniquely positioned for this moment," said Christie Tarantino-Dean, IFT CEO. "With more than eight decades of supporting scientific leadership and a global community of experts behind us, CoDeveloper is our bold response to the urgent need for smarter, faster R&D tools, and it reflects our commitment to shaping the future of food through trusted science and information." CoDeveloper will be unveiled to the public in Booth S4842 at IFT FIRST, the annual food research, science, and technology event that attracts many of the top global food and beverage leaders across academia, government, and industry. Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST addresses the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, consumer insights, and food safety. This year's keynote sessions will focus on AI, food additives, sugar and salt reduction, as well as GLP-1 agonists. Register for IFT FIRST. Members receive special pricing to IFT FIRST. To learn more about becoming a member and taking advantage of networking and education opportunities year-round, email membershipinfo@ To demo CoDeveloper or learn more about this revolutionary new R&D tool, go to 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 View source version on Contacts Media ContactsDennis Van Milligen Director, External Relations Institute of Food Technologists630-853-3022 dvanmilligen@ Frannie Comstock Manager, PR and Organizational Communications Institute of Food Technologists513-374-8900 fcomstock@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
IFT Launches Groundbreaking Research & Development Tool to Support Accelerated Product Development Demands
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is proud to announce the launch of CoDeveloper, a proprietary AI-powered R&D platform that delivers science into the product development process, accelerating formula development and overcoming technical roadblocks to help bring the world better food. Built by IFT's team of food scientists, this platform harnesses the computing speed of AI to connect users to IFT's 85-plus years of peer-reviewed research and published content while they're developing market-competitive products. 'With more than eight decades of supporting scientific leadership and a global community of experts behind us, CoDeveloper is our bold response to the urgent need for smarter, faster R&D tools." - IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean Share Key features include Sous, a built-in generative AI co-scientist, advanced formulation tools for iterative development, and science-optimized reverse engineering. CoDeveloper also features enterprise-grade security to keep a user's proprietary data safely connected to nearly a century of proven, trusted science when users need it most. 'The food system is evolving rapidly, and IFT is uniquely positioned for this moment,' said Christie Tarantino-Dean, IFT CEO. 'With more than eight decades of supporting scientific leadership and a global community of experts behind us, CoDeveloper is our bold response to the urgent need for smarter, faster R&D tools, and it reflects our commitment to shaping the future of food through trusted science and information.' CoDeveloper will be unveiled to the public in Booth S4842 at IFT FIRST, the annual food research, science, and technology event that attracts many of the top global food and beverage leaders across academia, government, and industry. Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST addresses the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, consumer insights, and food safety. This year's keynote sessions will focus on AI, food additives, sugar and salt reduction, as well as GLP-1 agonists. Register for IFT FIRST. Members receive special pricing to IFT FIRST. To learn more about becoming a member and taking advantage of networking and education opportunities year-round, email membershipinfo@ To demo CoDeveloper or learn more about this revolutionary new R&D tool, go to 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
Korea Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
CJ BIO Announces Participation in IFT 2025, Showcasing Taste Innovation Rooted in Quality and Authenticity
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CJ BIO is proud to announce its fourth consecutive participation in the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) First Annual Event and Expo, taking place in Chicago this July. Since rejoining the global exhibition circuit post-COVID in 2022, CJ BIO has solidified its presence at IFT as a forward-thinking innovator in clean label and taste-enhancing food solutions. This year's theme, "Cutting Sodium, Cutting Cost, and Clean Label Solutions – Driving Taste Innovation through Localized Application," reflects CJ BIO's commitment to delivering quality and authenticity, two key drivers of modern food innovation. With growing consumer focus on price, health benefits, and naturalness, CJ BIO brings a customer-centric showcase to the IFT stage. TasteNrich ®: The Core of CJ BIO's Taste & Savory Innovation At the heart of the booth is TasteNrich ®, CJ BIO's flagship brand built around the unique concept of clean umami—a modern approach to delivering rich, satisfying taste while maintaining ingredient transparency. Designed to enhance umami without compromising authenticity, TasteNrich ® solutions help brands meet growing demand for clean-label formulations. The SOLUTION line offers high-end natural umami boosters that elevate taste with refined simplicity, while the BASIC line provides a cost-effective alternative that retains the depth of flavor consumers expect—all grounded in a commitment to preserving authentic taste and enriching it through clean innovation. The broader TasteNrich ® portfolio also includes: Focus on Customer Experience & K-Culture Integration CJ BIO's 2025 booth will center on immersive customer experiences, inviting visitors to engage directly with its innovative solutions. A K-culture-inspired tasting event featuring tteokbokki will showcase the versatility of CJ BIO's portfolio in globally beloved applications. A Booth Designed for Impact CJ BIO will debut a newly designed booth highlighted by four striking LED pillars that broadcast core messages—engaging visitors while showcasing its forward-looking vision for clean and cost-effective flavor innovation. Join Us The CJ BIO team has already launched pre-event marketing efforts to attract food manufacturers, culinary developers, and industry stakeholders. Interested visitors can learn more through the CJ BIO website, or by following Instagram and LinkedIn for real-time updates. To schedule a meeting or learn more about CJ BIO's IFT 2025 participation, please visit CJ BIO is a business unit of CJ CheilJedang, a subsidiary of CJ Group, an international company founded in South Korea in 1953. CJ Group operates in the fields of Food & Food Service, Bio & Pharma, Entertainment & Media, and Retail & Logistics. CJ BIO is a leading global supplier of fermentation-based bio-products, including an extensive line of TasteNrich ®, FlavorNrich™, AMINATURE ®, and BiomeNrich™. CJ BIO has a global network of manufacturing facilities, specializing in microbial fermentation with the highest quality and control over their ingredients. With a strong foundation in fermentation, CJ BIO combines this expertise with its commitment to innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions for the food and nutrition industries.
Chicago Tribune
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Is CTU's playbook coming to a school district near you, Illinoisans?
Most Illinoisans think CTU-style teachers union tactics are limited to Chicago. But will that stay the case? In an estimated 52 school districts across Illinois, contracts with unions affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers are expiring this year. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates serves as executive vice president at the IFT. So is there reason to worry that other IFT affiliates will adopt Chicago's aggressive 'bargaining for the common good' model? Here's some background. Local teachers unions fall under the umbrella of state- and national-level unions. For example, CTU Local 1 is an affiliate of IFT. IFT is the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, which is one of the two major national teachers unions, the other being the National Education Association. While both are aligned with Democratic causes, AFT is generally more progressive and politically aggressive. Its longtime president, Randi Weingarten, is a political lightning rod. IFT has affiliates all over the state, including Chicago, Quincy, East St. Louis and Peoria, as well as a number of Chicago suburbs. IFT doesn't run local contract negotiations but heavily influences them by providing legal, financial, tactical and ideological support. The Illinois Policy Institute, which analyzed districts' affiliations and negotiation schedules, has argued these districts should be prepared for aggressive negotiation tactics. That's a reasonable concern. After all, we just lived through the most recent CTU contract negotiation, which featured repeated CTU-encouraged attempts by Mayor Brandon Johnson, former CTU organizer and staunch union ally, to fire the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. That CEO, Pedro Martinez, had the temerity to refuse to give in to every one of the union's demands. We still haven't forgotten the tensions that arose from previous negotiations, especially in 2012 when this militant version of the CTU first emerged, waging a prolonged, large-scale strike that saw teachers and CTU supporters take en masse to the streets. More recently, as the latest contract negotiations were just beginning, Davis Gates half-jokingly informed a March 2024 City Club of Chicago audience that the city's moneyed interests ought to be prepared to pony up '$50 billion and 3 cents' to pay for the union's demands. It struck us as poignant that Davis Gates returned to the City Club Monday making similar statements, albeit with somewhat less bravado. What a difference a year makes. The CTU president's extreme message increasingly is falling on deaf ears. The mayor she played such an important role in electing in 2023 is unpopular and struggling to wrangle the City Council to support his priorities. Chicagoans last year elected their own school board members for the first time ever, and CTU's endorsed candidates fared poorly. In short, a union that turned itself into a political machine is itself unpopular and significantly weakened. Teachers unions once could count on majority support from the public. CTU's favorables are well under water, testifying to just how much the union has overreached. On Monday, Davis Gates didn't do herself or her cause any favors with provocative messaging about how Chicago's children are CTU's kids, too. That sort of rhetoric might land better coming from a more traditional teachers union focused mainly on the classroom, but not from this messianic group of ultra-leftists. She also showed a continued disregard for CPS' dismal fiscal situation, pushing once again for reckless borrowing to plug a $529 million budget deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1. 'These are not math problems,' she said. Actually, they are math problems. And the union's refusal to face hard numbers contributes to the district's ongoing fiscal strain, which ultimately affects classroom conditions. CTU's 'bargaining for the common good' approach extends well beyond wages and benefits. The union's recent demands included climate initiatives like solar panels and electric buses, 10,000 affordable housing units, police-free schools and limits on charter schools — a sweeping political agenda inappropriately sought through union negotiations. In the end — in no small part due to the Chicago voters' rejection of CTU's agenda via the November school board elections — CPS teachers ratified a contract that largely mirrored what CPS leadership had offered for months. Union members' unfortunate reelection a few months ago of Davis Gates as their president only makes it highly likely we'll revisit this radical agenda four years from now in yet another fraught contract negotiation. So here's where we differ with the Illinois Policy argument. We just can't imagine the CTU agenda playing with either school boards or the broader communities in the suburbs and downstate. Time will tell. What will bargaining for the common good look like in downstate Joppa, where an IFT affiliate represents local teachers? That district sits in Massac County, along the Kentucky state line, where 74% of votes cast in 2024 went to President Donald Trump. Or Quincy School District 172, where Trump won nearly 73% of the 2024 vote. 'Trump has picked his side. … He is here to win the relitigation of the Civil War and finish the work of the Confederacy,' Davis Gates said Monday. Equating support for Trump with Confederate sympathizing is inflammatory and likely to alienate residents in the very communities where IFT affiliates will be bargaining. The point we're making is that there's a mismatch between IFT's modus operandi and the politics of many of the suburban and downstate districts where they'll be negotiating soon. Still, in many conservative areas, schools are among the largest employers, making it likelier that, at least on the wages and benefits side of contract negotiations, IFT's influence could mean significant costs for suburban and downstate taxpayers. Downstate teachers aren't nearly as well compensated as Chicago teachers. The median CPS teacher will be paid $98,000 next year. So as these negotiations begin in places politically and culturally distinct from Chicago, local taxpayers and school boards would be wise to pay attention. Attend school board meetings. Ask questions. And learn from Chicago's example.
