IFT FIRST (with IFT standing for Institute of Food Technologists and FIRST - for Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) is a leading trade show for food science and innovation. Its upcoming edition will take place from 13 to 16 July 2025 at McCormick Place, Chicago. Over 1,000 companies will exhibit their products and services during the IFT FIRST 2025 dates, joined by more than 17,000 professionals in all related sectors.
The wide range of food ingredients, nutrients, stabilisers, preservatives, and colour additives at IFT FIRST 2025 will be complemented by laboratory equipment, and processing and packaging technology. Visitors will also discover services related to food safety, quality assurance, testing, smart manufacturing, logistics and distribution.
The expo’s specialty pavilions will cater to particular industry groups. The Agriculture Pavilion will be dedicated to farming and agribusiness. The Organics Pavilion will focus on eco-friendly practices and organic products. The Startup Pavilion will host young entrepreneurs, while its pitch competition will reward innovative solutions. The recently launched Co-Manufacturers Pavilion will present collaborative projects to IFT FIRST participants.
With special attention on networking and know-how exchange, the trade show will feature B2B meetings, science sessions, and workshops. The IFT FIRST Innovation Lab will challenge attendees to take an active part in F&B product development.
Preparing for your business trip to Chicago? With IFT FIRST 2025 attracting thousands of professionals from approximately 70 countries, there is a significant demand for hotels near McCormick Place. ExpoBeds’ convenient event accommodation service enables trade show attendees to explore a variety of IFT FIRST 2025 hotel offers and to secure attractive discounts. Request a free quote or use our booking tool to make an online reservation.
Past editions
| Total | Domestic | Foreign | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibitors | |||
| Visitors |
Next editions
IFT FIRST 2026
McCormick Place
Quick info
| Organiser: | Institute of Food Technologists |
| Frequency: | every year |
| Next Edition: | IFT FIRST 2026 |
| Sectors: | Food and beverage |
| Website: | IFT FIRST official website |
| Visitors: | Tickets for IFT FIRST |
| Exhibitors: | Exhibitor registration |
Important facts
- 1,000+ IFT FIRST exhibitors
- 17,000+ trade visitors
- 70+ represented countries
Expo Travel Group is an independent tour operator. We provide accommodation to businesses during over 500 international events. Our non-affiliation with the organiser is a guarantee for independence and lack of contract restrictions. This means that we are able to provide our customers the full range of accommodation options in the destinations we cover and be flexible about the terms and conditions we can apply to each booking. A lot of the hotels we have contracts with may not be available through any other booking channel during the days of the event.
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