Virginia Dare will offer a variety of taste experiences from diverse regions of the United States under the theme “Great Tastes of America” at IFT. Beverages and foods offered for sampling will demonstrate regional tastes — each created using Virginia Dare flavors or extracts. On display will be milk-based and soy-based smoothies, premium vanilla ice cream with a selection of sauces and toppings, and a snack bar. A variety of flavored tea and fruit beverages also will enable visitors to experience how several regional tastes can be incorporated into health and wellness products. Consumer research regarding awareness and preference for traditional regional flavors, beverages and foods from around the country also will be announced at the show.
— Virginia Dare, 882 Third Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232; 718/788-1776; virginiadare.com; IFT Booth 4542.

Cargill will showcase its expanding application development capabilities and functional ingredient portfolio at IFT. Responding to consumer and customer demand for health-oriented, great-tasting and convenient beverage and food products, Cargill will display more than a dozen prototypes from the beverage, bakery, confections and dairy categories. From addressing consumer health issues, such as weight management and heart health, to satisfying consumer cravings for pure indulgence, Cargill will demonstrate how it helps customers formulate new products through a combination of market insights, technical capabilities and ingredient innovations in flavor, sweetness, texture and health-promoting ingredients. Cargill prototypes featured at IFT 2007 will include: beverages that address bone health and energy, a healthful dairy drink and indulgent dairy treat, and an organic low-calorie beverage.
— Cargill Inc., P.O. Box 9300, Minneapolis, Minn. 55440; 800/227-4455; cargill.com; IFT Booth 2348.

At IFT, Palatinit will feature Palatinose, a functional carbohydrate with the ability to provide long-lasting energy in the form of glucose. Palatinose offers a natural, sweet taste, low-glycemic response and tooth-friendliness. The ingredient now is available in an array of beverages and foods stocked on store shelves around the world. Samples of these products will be on display, including multi-flavored sports, nutrition and energy drinks; fitness waters; nutritional supplements; meal replacers; vitamin-rich beverages and nutritious dairy drinks. Visitors to Palatinit’s booth also will learn of new scientific studies confirming that Palatinose significantly boosts metabolic fat oxidation, promoting the mobilization and use of fatty acids as an energy source.
— Palatinit of America Inc., 2740 Route 10 West, Suite 205, Morris Plains, N.J. 07950; 973/539-6644; palatinit.com; IFT Booth 4939.

D.D. Williamson offers a spectrum of natural colors, including its colorMaker custom blends. At IFT, attendees are invited to visit an expanded booth that illustrates D.D. Williamson’s updated brand identity to reflect its growing portfolio of natural colors. The exhibit will include the company’s organic caramel color, which is certified by Quality Assurance International. Bite-size cheesecakes, topped with natural colors from D.D. Williamson’s portfolio also will be provided each day from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. D.D. Williamson’s natural color palette includes annatto extract, turmeric, paprika, red beet and anthocyanins.
— D.D. Williamson, 1901 Payne St., Louisville, Ky. 40206; 502/895-2438; ddwilliamson.com; IFT Booth 1370.

Mettler Toledo will have its new pH Kit solution specific to the beverage and food industry on display at IFT. The S20FB pH meter is a complete kit that combines the S20 SevenEasy pH meter, an InLab425 pH electrode, and all necessary cables and buffer standards for running samples in the beverage and food industry. The S20 SevenEasy pH meter features an intuitive interface with visual icons for simple operation. The built-in automatic temperature compensation adds convenience by allowing the electrode signal to be corrected for temperature effects, and the automatic endpoint improves the reproducibility of the measurement and safeguards the quality of the results.
— Mettler Toledo, 1900 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43240; 614/438-4936; mt.com; IFT Booth 5420.

During IFT, Fortitech will demonstrate versatility and technical expertise with its application samples. Fortitech will be creating custom premixes designed to improve overall health and wellness, as well as target key health conditions such as weight management and energy enhancement. Fortitech also will prove that incorporating multiple nutrients in applications can successfully boost the nutrient content, while not affecting taste, texture or stability of the product.
— Fortitech Inc., 2105 Technology Drive, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308; 800/950-5156; fortitech.com; IFT Booth 3313.

While celebrating its 50th Anniversary, The Wright Group will have on display at IFT its line of product concepts that apply functional ingredients in innovative beverages and foods.  One example, the Omega-3 Orange Breakfast Drink, is positioned for the children’s nutrition market, and samples will be available at the show. The Wright Group is focused on formulating fortification systems that help brands develop the health products that have been embraced by global markets.
— The Wright Group, 6428 Airport Road, Crowley, La. 70526; 800/201-3096; thewrightgroup.net; IFT Booth 3928.