IFT FIRST 2025 to Spotlight Consumer Insights Driving the Future of Food Innovation

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will spotlight cutting-edge consumer insights at its flagship event, IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, taking place from 13–16 July 2025 at McCormick Place, Chicago. The event aims to equip food and beverage leaders with the tools to transform emerging consumer preferences into innovative product development strategies.

Bringing together top minds from academia, industry and government, IFT FIRST focuses on the most pressing issues in food science—from innovation and health to sustainability and food safety. The expo floor will showcase breakthrough technologies and novel product launches from leading global companies in food, health and wellness.

A key highlight of the 2025 edition is IFT’s unveiling of a new R&D approach designed to help businesses better anticipate and respond to consumer trends. “In every part of the food system, staying attuned to evolving consumer preferences is vital,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “At IFT FIRST, attendees will gain access to expert-led scientific content and market insights to spark the innovation that will shape the future of food.”

The opening keynote will feature Michiel Bakker, President of the Culinary Institute of America and former global head of Food at Google. His session, Food as Experience Design, will explore how product development can balance profitability with consumer needs and public health goals.

Several sessions will specifically tackle consumer behaviour, including:

• “How Can Improved Consumer Education Foster Sustainable Food Acceptance?”

• “How Can Food Companies Earn Trust While Combatting Misinformation?”

• “How Do Consumer Perceptions Influence Ingredient Avoidance and Purchasing Decisions?”

Speakers include senior experts from Ingredion, Mars, PepsiCo, Nestlé, General Mills and leading universities such as South Dakota State, NC State and University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Early bird registration has been extended to 2 May 2025. Interested attendees can also visit the IFT HUB on the show floor to learn more about membership and opportunities to present at future editions.