IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists
Expodeck United States · Chicago

IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists

Dates
July 12, 2026 – July 15, 2026
Venue
McCormick Place
Location
Chicago, United States
Dates
July 12, 2026 – July 15, 2026
Venue
McCormick Place
Location
Chicago, United States

About This Expo

The IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo is the largest global food science and innovation expo, dedicated to advancing food science and its application across the global food system. Organized by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), this event aims to foster a sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible global food supply. Attendees, including innovators, decision-makers, passionate food professionals, students, producers, product developers, and researchers, will discover the latest research, innovations, and projects shaping the future of food. With over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing products and services in food ingredients, safety, quality, technology, equipment, processing, and packaging, participants can explore global food trends and find cutting-edge solutions. The comprehensive program, featuring keynote sessions and the Hot Topics Studio, offers invaluable insights and networking opportunities for anyone committed to improving the global food system.

Highlights

4 items
01
Global Food Science & Innovation Hub
The largest global expo dedicated to food science and innovation, advancing applications across the food system to create a sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible food supply.
02
Cutting-Edge Research & Insights
Explore the latest research, innovations, and projects shaping the global food system through a comprehensive program, including the IFT FIRST Hot Topics Studio and insightful keynote sessions.
03
Extensive Exhibition & Solutions
Discover solutions from over 1,000 exhibitors across key sectors like food ingredients, safety, quality, technology, equipment, processing, and packaging, addressing global food trends.
04
Connect with Food Industry Leaders
Network with a diverse audience of innovators, decision-makers, and solution providers, including food professionals, students, producers, and researchers, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Previous Edition
15,510
Attendees
1,054
Exhibitors
18,605
Net Area · ㎡

Expo News

2026 IFT FIRST Expo Drives Global Food Science and Ingredient Innovation in Chicago
The IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo, organized by the Institute of Food Technologists, will open July 12, 2026, in …

Gallery

6 photos
IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists
IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists
IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists
IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists
IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists
IFT FIRST Annual Meeting & Food Expo - Institute of Food Technologists

FAQ

4 questions
The theme for IFT FIRST 2026 is “IFT FIRST, Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology,” focusing on the transformative nature of the global food system.
The event is organized by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association that serves as the voice of the global food science community.
Exhibitors present products and services related to food ingredients, food safety & quality, technology, equipment, processing, and packaging, reflecting global food trends.
Registration for IFT FIRST 2026 is open. IFT members receive a significant discount on registration, with more information available at www.ift.org/membership.