IFT FIRST officially began Sunday evening with the IFT Achievement Awards Ceremony and Reception, recognizing the scientists, innovators, and leaders whose research, leadership, and service continue to advance the science of food.
Among the evening's highest honors, Dr. Rui Hai Liu, professor of food science at Cornell University, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Nicolas Appert for his pioneering research on diet and chronic disease, particularly the impact of functional foods and bioactive compounds on chronic disease risk and aging. His work has helped shape scientific understanding of how whole foods and their naturally occurring bioactive compounds contribute to disease prevention and long-term health.
Watch our exclusive tribute video celebrating Dr. Liu’s remarkable career and the lasting impact of his contributions to food science.
Today, IFT FIRST shifts into full gear as attendees gather for keynote presentations, scientific sessions, networking events, and the opening of the Expo Hall. Throughout the week, Food News Now will bring you exclusive videos, interviews, and highlights from IFT FIRST as they happen.
Visit Booth 1838 to explore GLP-1 insights, soy protein innovation, and soybean oil application—plus connect with experts and suppliers to solve your toughest formulation and performance challenges.
“Science is a process that can be applied to everything with the goal of understanding how the world works.”
Opening keynote speaker J. Kenji López-Alt explores how scientific curiosity, experimentation, and research can deepen our understanding of flavor. In “The Science of Flavor: Transforming Culinary Experiences Through Research,” he'll examine how scientific thinking can inspire innovation in both the kitchen and food product development.
📍 Monday, July 13 | 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. CT | Expo Hall: Main Stage
Meet the Companies Shaping the Future of Food
One of the fastest-growing destinations at IFT FIRST is the Startup Pavilion, which is sold out this year with more than 100 startups showcasing breakthrough ideas and emerging technologies across the food system.
Today's Startup Pavilion Showcases—taking place 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.—put innovation front and center as 19 startups each take the stage for fast-paced, five-minute presentations highlighting new ingredients, technologies, and business solutions. It's one of the quickest ways to discover what's next—and perhaps identify tomorrow's industry leaders.
The excitement continues Wednesday, when six finalists—BioBlends, Fermenstation Co., Ltd., Forever Harvest, Liquid Orchard Inc., Nurtured Nuts Company, and Symbio Bioculinary—compete in The Pitch for $15,000 in prizes.
🔍 Explore: Make time to visit the Startup Pavilion throughout the week. Use the IFT FIRST app to browse participating startups, build your itinerary, and learn more about the companies behind the latest innovations before you head to the Expo Hall.
Five Trends We're Watching
Every IFT FIRST offers an early look at the ideas shaping the future of food. As the week gets underway, these are the trends the Food News Now editorial team will be watching across keynotes, scientific sessions, and the Expo Hall.
Artificial intelligence is moving from buzzword to business tool, with new applications emerging across research, product development, and manufacturing.
Consumer expectations are evolving. From changing nutrition priorities to shifting eating behaviors, food scientists are exploring how innovation can better meet consumers where they are.
Sustainability remains a driving force, with continued focus on food security, climate resilience, and resource stewardship.
Trust in science is taking center stage as experts examine how transparency, scientific rigor, and evidence-based communication can strengthen public confidence.
The next generation of innovation is on display—from startups and novel ingredients to breakthrough technologies designed to solve real-world challenges.
We'll be tracking these themes throughout the week and bringing you the key insights, conversations, and discoveries emerging from IFT FIRST.
Voices From IFT FIRST
“In the beginning, it was all about understanding the industry, getting a job, and meeting people. Now it's about nurturing my relationships with my friends, colleagues, and peers.”
— Tamanna Ramesh on why she keeps coming back to IFT FIRST. Ramesh was honored Sunday evening with the Include Award in Honor of George Washington Carver.
IFT FIRST Special Edition Takeover - Food News Now Subscribers
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