Latest news with #IFT
Business Wire
12-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
IFT to Host Free Webinar on Leveraging AI for Faster Product Development Cycles
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 hosting a free webinar that will address how AI is transforming product development workflows and enhancing speed-to-result and production efficiencies at the R&D and formulation stages. Leveraging AI for Faster Product Development Cycles will also help attendees tap into the benefits of using AI in product development cycles to discover new opportunities in early-stage development as well as ways to optimize AI-driven insights to overcome technical challenges and customized formulations based on consumer data. "IFT is proud to be at the forefront of the AI transformation, and we are excited to help the community leverage AI tools like CoDeveloper to create a safer, smarter, and more sustainable food future." - IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean CoDeveloper, IFT's proprietary AI-powered R&D platform. CoDeveloper delivers science into the product development process, accelerating formula development and overcoming technical roadblocks. Built by IFT's team of food scientists for food scientists, it 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. 'Providing this cutting-edge education to the food system community is essential as we look to the future,' said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. 'AI is quickly becoming a necessary tool to operate efficiently and accelerate innovation. IFT is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, and we are excited to help the community leverage AI tools, like CoDeveloper, to create a safer, smarter, and more sustainable food future.' Webinar panelists will include Mohamed Badaoui Najjar, PhD, R&D Senior Director of Digital Transformation & Global Specifications at PepsiCo; Michael Slater, Technical Director of Consulting at Improving; and Jay Gilbert, PhD, Director of Scientific Programs & Product Development at IFT. Mohamed Badaoui Najjar partners across PepsiCo beverages R&D, supply chain, operations, and IT organizations to guide the design and delivery of the R&D tools of the future. He has 15 years of global industry experience, starting his career as a product developer. Michael Slater, meanwhile, leads consulting teams at Improving, a technology management and consulting services firm. Over his career, he has held a variety of software development positions in business intelligence, video game development, and coding bootcamps. A former IFT Student Association (IFTSA) member, Jay Gilbert joined IFT in 2017 where he supported Divisions, IFT's topical, interest-based groups. Gilbert now leads IFT's new product development program and is the product lead for CoDeveloper, which was unveiled to the world last month at IFT FIRST, IFT's annual food science, research, and technology event. To learn more about this revolutionary new R&D tool, go to Also at IFT FIRST, keynoter (and futurist) Steve Brown addressed how AI acceleration will redefine the next five years, a topic and session that he previewed in this exclusive IFT Brain Food Blog. To learn more about the impact of AI on food and product development, register for the webinar here. 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
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.
