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Bell to Offer FLAVORLAND at IFT FIRST

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. heads to the 2025 IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo held in person and virtually from July 14-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists, IFT FIRST, one of the nation’s largest business-to-business food innovation expos, brings together food scientists, R&D teams, dietitians, entrepreneurs and other professionals from around the world for three action packed days. This year’s focus: addressing pressing food safety issues, from food additive reformulation to GRAS regulations, and beyond. 

Themed Bell FLAVORLAND, a nostalgic nod to memorable flavors of years’ past, Bell booth S1629 will feature sweet, savory and beverage creations that lean into playful and joy-driven flavors, and showcase Bell’s global Spark – Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses program 

A key area of focus, the company will spotlight their BellTech collection, an innovative flavor and fragrance technology platform, by incorporating solutions that help solve product development challenges around taste, such as boosting umami flavors and extending/replacing ingredients undergoing significant supply chain disruptions (e.g., vanilla). 

“This year, we’re bringing our global Macro Trend, Purely Playful, to life in Bell FLAVORLAND. This trend takes joy to the next level, celebrating small wins, lifting our spirits, and saying ‘treat yourself’ more often. It’s about reimagining classic favorites and creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences that make us feel good – especially through impactful eating and drinking occasions,: said Kelli Heinz, Vice President of Marketing and Industry Affairs.

At booth S1629, IFT attendees can grab their Bell FLAVORLAND coloring book, their one-stop guide to navigating the company’s Meat & Savory, Sweet & Dairy, and Beverage Application stations.  

Each station will feature a flavor packed menu item(s), including a reimagined TV Dinner (Meat & Savory featuring Bell’s Neostalgia trend), curated Slushies with Choice of Flavored Syrup (Beverage featuring Bell’s Sensorial Sparks trend) as well as Fruited Sour Hard Candies, Paper Dots and Vanilla Cream Cake Featuring Bell’s Cocoa Reduced Chocolate Frosting and Egg Replacer (Sweet & Dairy featuring Bell’s Treat Culture trend). 

“Consumer craving for nostalgic flavors continues to exert influence on the market, and we see this in the U.S. and globally. Mintel data reveals that nostalgia not only drives preference for classic flavors, but also increases consumers’ openness to innovation from brands they love and trust. Bell Flavors & Fragrances’ menu reimagines classic foods and beverages with playful flavors and BellTech® technologies, which are intended to inspire the next wave of products. Our menu leans into familiarity, while pushing flavor innovation boundaries,” said Justin Kozlowski, Vice President and Commercial General Manager, Flavors Division.

Visit booth S1629 at IFT FIRST for visionary flavor inspiration and to learn more about how BellTech can elevate your brand’s current product development efforts and future pipeline.  

In advance of the show, explore Bell’s enchanting menu, relevant taste resources and so much more – here. 

For more on Bell Flavors & Fragrances, visit www.bellff.com. And, be sure to get social with us by following Bell Flavors & Fragrances on LinkedInX, and Facebook 

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IFT Offers Sneak Peek at Annual IFT FIRST

The Institute of Food Technologists, a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is proud to share a sneak peek at a few of the supplier scientific sessions and demonstrations that will take place at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, the popular food technology showcase being held July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The centerpiece of the event is the food science and innovation expo featuring exhibitors from across the global food system sharing the latest in ingredients, equipment, processing, technology, safety, R&D, and packaging solutions.

This includes the Taste of Science stage where attendees can enjoy an array of ingredient samples, interactive demos, and product tastings; the Solutions Showcase stage where presenters dive into the challenges and opportunities in the science of food; as well as the Hot Topics Studio, which offers a more relaxed, informal atmosphere as top experts “chat” with attendees about important topics impacting the food industry today.

“One of the most exciting aspects of IFT FIRST is the opportunity it creates for attendees to explore the science and innovation behind some of the industry’s most forward-thinking products,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO, Institute of Food Technologists. “These demonstrations aren’t just about what’s new – they’re a springboard for bigger ideas, deeper connections, and opportunities to elevate product development and drive progress. IFT FIRST is where the future of food begins to take shape – it truly is Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology.”

Here is a glimpse at some of the can’t-miss supplier sessions at IFT FIRST:

FoodChain ID: Automate Your Insights: Practical AI That Puts Knowledge to Work

Join a panel of food and beverage industry experts, including a digital transformation expert from FoodChain ID, to learn about a new innovative AI-powered formulation guidance tool at “Automate Your Insights: Practical AI That Puts Knowledge to Work” on Wednesday, July 16, from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Discover how an embedded AI model is accelerating product development, reducing compliance risk and integrating institutional know-how, enabling teams to make confident decisions at speed. FoodChain ID Mentor turns SOPs, regulatory protocols, and organizational knowledge into real-time formulation advice. The AI innovation provides a practical approach to ensure that guidance is immediately applicable and beneficial for the day-to-day challenges faced by food and beverage product developers. By combining FoodChain ID’s deep industry expertise, expert-curated data and rulesets, and a company’s own criteria, FoodChain ID Mentor delivers highly actionable outcomes.

Infor: Closing the Value Gap with Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Infor, a global leader in industry-specialized business cloud software, is excited to announce its speaking session with Ruiz Foods at IFT FIRST on Monday, July 14, from 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. The session, titled “Closing the Value Gap with Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing,” will explore how top performing organizations tackle challenges like rising costs, regulatory pressures, and supply chain disruptions. Attendees will gain insights into the real-world application of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and its crucial role in driving industry transformation. Discover how technology like PLM and AI identify growth opportunities, enhance business agility, and streamline processes to expedite market entry. Visit Infor at Booth S3858 and schedule a meeting for more information.

Ingredion: Solve the Texture Equation – Solutions That Drive Consumer Preference

Join Ingredion’s experts at IFT FIRST as they decode the Texture Equation, revealing how insights-driven expertise, technical mastery, and comprehensive solutions combine to create exceptional eating experiences. Discover how consumer and market trends are shaping the demand for products with superior texture and learn how these unique qualities can set products apart in the market. Ingredion experts will discuss how the right texture can enhance both the sensory experience and the functionality of food products.

POM Wonderful Specialty Ingredients: Fruit to Function: Enhancing Shelf Life, Sensory Quality, and Sustainability

Discover how pomegranate extract is reshaping food and beverage innovation at IFT FIRST in Chicago on July 14. This science-forward session explores its impact on flavor, nutrition, and sustainability. Chef Josh Park of Suji’s Korean Kitchen will share how Suji’s integrated POMxL extract into their popular 5-Spice Pork Bao Buns at Costco. Ideal for developers and R&D professionals, don’t miss this dynamic look at functional ingredients in action. To learn more, stop by Booth S1707 or go to https://specialtyingredients.pomwonderful.com.

Tate & Lyle: The Power of Stevia Reb M: Sweetness, Functionality, and a Resilient Supply Chain

Stevia Reb M is transforming beverage innovation by enabling sugar reduction without compromising on taste or mouthfeel. This Taste of Science Session explores how Tate & Lyle and Manus deliver an all-Americas supply of Stevia Reb M – ensuring reliable sourcing, consistent quality, and multifunctional performance. Attendees will gain insight into how Reb M enhances sweetness perception, supports clean-label claims, and meets sensory expectations in beverages. Technical aspects of formulation, regulatory labeling, and flavor optimization will be covered, along with strategies for maximizing functionality across product lines. As sugar reduction and supply chain stability remain top-of-mind, this session offers a forward-looking roadmap for crafting beverages that deliver both consumer appeal and operational resilience.

IFT FIRST unites top experts throughout the science of food disciplines. Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST addresses the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, sustainability and climate, food safety, and consumer insights. The dynamic expo floor, a celebration of the latest food innovations and technologies, features some of the top food, health, and wellness companies in the world launching or showcasing the products and solutions that will help usher in a new era of food.

Register for IFT FIRST. IFT members receive special pricing on registration. To learn more, email membershipinfo@ift.org.

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Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Hormel Black Label Bacon Reunite

Bold taste meets breakfast tradition as Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Hormel Black Label bacon reunite for another irresistible collaboration: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Hormel Black Label Bacon Flavored Cereal. *

Following last year’s buzzworthy debut of the Hormel Black Label Cinnamon Toast Crunch Flavored Thick Cut Bacon, currently available at select retailers nationwide, this sizzling sequel is flipping the script at the breakfast table. Infused with the smoky flavor of Hormel Black Label Bacon and blasted with Cinnadust, this limited-edition cereal delivers savory satisfaction with every crunchy bite, making it perfect for breakfast or snacking.

“This collaboration is rewriting the rules of breakfast,” said Brandon Tyrrell, Senior Marketing Manager at General Mills. “Bringing these two iconic breakfast staples and irresistible flavors together gives our fans even more reasons why they Must Cinnadust.”

“After seeing the fan response to last year’s collaboration, we knew we had to bring these two breakfast icons back together,” said Aly Sill, Senior Brand Manager at Hormel Foods. “We’re shaking up the way bacon fits into daily routines, and we can’t wait for consumers to experience it.”

Each specially designed 6-ounce pouch is adorned with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnaswirls and the inspired flavor of Hormel Black Label Bacon, uniting the signature branding of both household names for one unforgettable breakfast experience.

Starting Tuesday, July 8, fans can snag a pouch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Hormel Black Label Bacon Flavored Cereal for $5.84, available exclusively at Walmart.com, while supplies last.

*Made with artificial bacon flavor

For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.