A Scoop of Innovation: Our Exciting Experience at the 2024 IFT FIRST Annual Expo
The 2024 IFT FIRST Annual Expo was an exhilarating whirlwind of innovation, creativity, and groundbreaking trends in the food industry. We had an incredible time showcasing our latest creations and engaging with industry leaders, decision-makers, and food enthusiasts. Here’s a fun recap of our adventure at the expo!
The Top 3 Trends We Saw Taking Center Stage
1. Plant-Based Powerhouses:
The expo floor was brimming with plant-based products, a trend growing steadily and taking center stage this year. From plant-based meats to noodles, the variety and creativity in this category were astounding. Attendees marveled at the ingenuity of transforming plants into delectable alternatives that don’t compromise on taste or texture. We were thrilled to be part of this trend, showcasing our plant-based soft-serve ice cream that received rave reviews.
2. Food as Medicine:
Another major trend was the concept of food as medicine. This was highlighted by products packed with all-natural ingredients promoting health and wellness. High-protein content and gut-friendly probiotics were the stars of the show, catering to the growing consumer demand for functional foods that do more than just satisfy hunger. Our booth featured an in-booth presentation on formulating beverages with protein, which was a hit among the attendees eager to learn how to incorporate these health-boosting ingredients into their products.
3. Sustainable Packaging Solutions:
Sustainability continues to be a key focus in the food industry, and this year’s expo showcased some innovative packaging solutions. Compostable packaging and refill-and-reuse systems were among the top highlights, emphasizing the industry’s shift towards reducing environmental impact. These sustainable solutions are not just trends but essential steps towards a greener future.
A Sweet Sensation: Our Soft-Serve Triumph
One of the biggest hits at our booth was our soft-serve ice cream which showcased our stabilizer systems manufactured at our custom blending facility, Aviator. We offered two delightful flavors: a classic chocolate and a unique horchata plant-based soft-serve. The rich, creamy texture of our chocolate soft-serve had attendees coming back for more, while the horchata plant-based option intrigued and delighted those looking for something new and exciting. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we loved seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed our tasty treats.
Engaging and Educating: Our Presentation Success
Our in-booth presentation on formulating beverages with protein, delivered by our talented Ingredient Technology & Applications (IT&A) teammates Dave McKeage, Field Applications Scientist I, and Jennifer Adams, Director of IT&A, was a standout moment. The session attracted a large audience eager to dive deep into the science and art of protein-enhanced beverages. The interactive format and insightful content left attendees inspired and equipped with new knowledge to take back to their own product development processes.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and can’t wait to see how these trends evolve and inspire even more innovative solutions in the world of food and beverage. Until then, we’ll keep crafting, creating, and collaborating to bring the best to the table.
