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What’s Next at the Institute of Food Technologists Chicago

Institute of Food Technologists
Table of Contents

As global food formulators and scientists converge on McCormick Place, the Institute of Food Technologists Chicago remains the primary stage for the next wave of food science. For brands looking to bridge the gap between clean-label demands and high-performance texture, Shafi Gluco Chem is bringing a fresh perspective to the IFT conference in Chicago. The atmosphere in Chicago this July will be focused on “IFT FIRST” Research, Science, and Technology, and our team is ready to show how plant-based rice and tapioca derivatives are evolving to meet these rigorous standards at the IFT Show Chicago.

Why Shafi Gluco Chem Is Exhibiting at IFT Chicago 2026

For more than 20 years, Shafi Gluco Chem has earned a good reputation for providing very pure rice and tapioca ingredients. We are attending the IFT convention in Chicago to build relationships with North American and international buyers who need clear and large supply chains. During our IFT meeting in Chicago, we will look into the increasing need for sustainable sourcing.

  • Global Presence: We market our products in more than 90 nations worldwide, but our focus lies in the R&D in North America.
  • Booth S-1553: Visit us from July 12-16, 2026, at McCormick Place, Chicago.
  • Strategic Mission: The vision behind our company is to offer novel organic concepts to the Chicago Institute of Food Technologists.

What to Expect at Booth S-1553

When you visit us at the IFT show in Chicago, expect more than just a brochure. We are hosting live ingredient demonstrations designed for the modern developer. Whether you are navigating the complexities of the IFT meeting Chicago schedule or looking for a specific solution for your “clean-label” portfolio, our booth in Chicago offers:

  • Tactile Product Samples: Experience the solubility of our maltodextrins and the neutral taste profile of our proteins.
  • Technical Consultations: Talk directly to our chemists about pull compensation for syrups or grit reduction for plant-based powder.
  • Exclusive IFT Samples: Authorized buyers can leave with samples customized to fit their own research and development projects.

Spotlight: Organic Sweeteners Shaping 2026 Formulations

The IFT conference in Chicago always highlights the tension between taste and health. Shafi Gluco Chem addresses this with a suite of sweeteners that perform functionally without the “added sugar” stigma. Our Chicago-based team will feature:

  • Organic & Brown Rice Syrups: The benchmark for natural, non-GMO sweetness solutions.
  • OrzayLow® Syrup: The innovation behind reducing sugar claims in beverage and snack applications.
  • TapiLow® Syrup: A tapioca-based, low-GI alternative perfect for the booming sports nutrition sector.
  • Infant Safe Range: Precision-grade syrups with ultra-low arsenic levels, specifically designed for the delicate requirements of infant nutrition, as discussed at the IFT convention in Chicago.

Spotlight: Rice Proteins & Specialty Ingredients

Protein remains a centerpiece of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Chicago discussions. However, the focus has shifted from “just protein” to “functional protein.” At the IFT Conference in Chicago, our booth will feature:

  • Specialty Starches: Naturally derived rice and tapioca starches used as natural stabilizing and thickening agents.
  • Vegan Milk Powders: Our clean-label milk powders for use in dairy-free beverages.

How Shafi Ingredients Enhance Your Formulations

To help you plan your visit to the IFT Show Chicago, we’ve mapped our core ingredients to their primary applications:

Application AreaRecommended Ingredient(s)
Sports NutritionRice Maltodextrin
Baby Food / InfantInfant Safe Rice & Tapioca Syrup
Plant-Based BeveragesRice Milk Powder, Vegan Milk Powder
Clean-Label SnacksBrown Rice Syrup, OryzaLow® Syrup
Baked GoodsRice Flour, Tapioca Starch
Functional FoodsTapiLow® Syrup, Rice Protein

Why the IFT Convention Chicago Is the Right Platform

The IFT Convention in Chicago is the world’s premier gathering for food science. With 20,000+ attendees at McCormick Place, it is the ultimate laboratory for 2026’s breakthroughs. Shafi Gluco Chem uses this platform to align our high-purity ingredients with the industry’s most rigorous scientific standards during the IFT meeting in Chicago.

  • Global Scale: Connect with 20,000+ industry leaders in Chicago.
  • Trend Insights: The primary hub for 2026 food tech innovations.
  • Proven Authority: Building on years of successful IFT Show Chicago presence.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Accessing the world’s largest food innovation network.

How to Book a Meeting at IFT FIRST 2026

While we welcome walk-ins at  Booth S-1553 during the IFT meeting in Chicago, we suggest setting up a specific time for detailed talks. The IFT conference in Chicago proceeds quickly, and by having a reserved slot, we can make sure that our best formulators have ample time to concentrate on the formulation of your product.

  • Venue: Booth S-1553, McCormick Place, Chicago.
  • Date: July 12-16, 2026.
  • Materials: Technical datasheets, brochures, and white papers will be provided to all participants.

Conclusion 

At Shafi Gluco Chem, we are excited to be part of the discussions around plant-based functional ingredients at IFT FIRST in Chicago this coming July, when the entire food industry gets together. Stop by Booth S-1553 at McCormick Place to learn more about how our rice- and tapioca-based ingredients can set your brand apart in 2026 through science and truth.

Shafi Gluco Chem delivers high-purity, plant-based ingredients to meet your brand’s most rigorous clean-label standards. 

FAQs 

1. What is the Institute of Food Technologists’ Chicago event?

It is one of the best expos in the world, featuring current developments in the field of science and technology within the food sector.

2. What’s next for IFT events in Chicago?

Look for an emphasis on “IFT FIRST” and Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology in 2026.

3. Who attends the IFT Chicago conference?

There are over 20,000 attendees per year, including food scientists, R&D experts, and food ingredient companies.

4. What topics are covered at the Institute of Food Technologists events?

Some of the problems include food safety, sustainability, plant-based innovation, clean-label ingredients, and processing technologies.

5. Why is the IFT Chicago event important for the food industry?

It serves as the primary hub for networking and discovering breakthroughs that define future global food trends.

6. What innovations are expected at upcoming IFT events?

Expect developments in functional sweeteners, allergen-free plant proteins, and precision-grade ingredients.

Picture of Syed Ali Mehdi
Syed Ali Mehdi

Syed Ali Mehdi is the Head of Business Development and Marketing at Shafi Gluco Chem, with strong experience in digital strategy, B2B sales, and exports. He also has deep knowledge of the organic sweeteners and proteins market, with a clear understanding of customer needs, product trends and a wide range of applications across food manufacturing.