IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) is the leading global food science and innovation expo, bringing together professionals from across the food and beverage ecosystem.

Held in Chicago, the event connects researchers, product developers, ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and business leaders to explore science-driven solutions shaping the future of food.

With a strong focus on real-world application, IFT FIRST provides opportunities to:

• Discover advances in ingredients, formulation and processing

• Explore emerging technologies, including AI and automation

• Engage with research and scientific innovation translated into practical solutions

The event addresses the most pressing challenges facing the global food system, including sustainability, food safety, health and nutrition, and supply chain complexity. Through multidisciplinary programming and collaboration, attendees gain insight into how these issues are being translated into practical, scalable solutions across the industry.

A defining feature of the 2026 event is the integration of scientific programming directly within the expo environment, enabling participants to move seamlessly between research, education, and solution providers – connecting science with real-world application in a single setting.

With more than 1,000 exhibitors and a broad range of scientific sessions and research presentations, IFT FIRST offers a comprehensive view of the technologies, ingredients and innovations shaping product development and manufacturing.

Who Should Attend

• R&D and product development professionals

• Ingredient suppliers and formulation experts

• Food scientists and researchers

• Manufacturing, operations, and processing leaders

• Technical and innovation teams across the food value chain

• Business leaders and decision-makers evaluating new solutions

From sustainability and food safety to product development and manufacturing, IFT FIRST addresses the key challenges impacting the global food system – bringing together science and industry to drive measurable progress.

Learn more about IFT FIRST and Register