Attending my first IFT Annual Meeting and Tradeshow at Chicago’s McCormick Place on July 12 was quite an interesting and engaging experience. With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new ingredients and flavors, clean label applications, and the latest ingredient processing and testing technology, the expansive room was a Disney World of sights and sounds. There were creative, interactive exhibits, food scientists and equipment professionals all showcasing their latest innovations and ventures.
The samples available gave me a chance to experience these new innovations for myself. For example, Tabasco and its team served up Toasted Coconut and Mexican Spiced Coffee with Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce. Philadelphia, Pa.-based David Michael & Co. brought its 42-foot RV, a part of its “Great Escape to Innovate” tour, and showcased a bourbon maple pecan shake and a honey flavored craft soda. At ADM’s booth, experts discussed sweetener solutions, its Vivasweet launch along with nutritional beverage trends.