Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) is the United Kingdom’s leading professional membership body for individuals involved in all aspects of food science and technology. As an independent, non-profit organization, IFST serves as a vital hub for food professionals, academics, researchers, and students, promoting excellence in food science and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, innovation, and sustainability across the industry.

Core Business

IFST’s mission is to advance professional standards in food science and technology by providing its members with opportunities for continued learning, professional recognition, and knowledge sharing. Its activities are designed to uphold and communicate the ethical and scientific integrity of the food sector, ensuring public trust and industry development.

The organization operates through a network of expert committees, regional branches, and academic and industry partners across the UK and internationally.

Service Offerings

IFST provides a wide range of services designed to support professional development, academic dissemination, and industry engagement:

• Professional Membership & Recognition

  • Membership levels: Associate, Member (MIFST), Fellow (FIFST)
  • Chartered Scientist (CSci), Registered Scientist (RSci), and Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) designations
  • CPD (Continuing Professional Development) support and mentoring

• Academic Publications

  • International Journal of Food Science and Technology (peer-reviewed)
  • Translational Food Science (open-access)
  • Food Science and Technology Magazine (industry-focused publication)

• Events & Conferences

  • Annual Spring Conference (SC22, SC23)
  • Webinars and expert panel discussions
  • Student career events and competitions
  • Food Science Week and UK events calendar collaboration

• Accreditation Services

  • Accreditation of food-related academic programs in UK universities
  • Endorsement of industry training schemes

• Resources & Campaigns

  • Food safety and regulation guidelines
  • Ethics and policy papers
  • Online learning platforms and sector-specific toolkits

Specialization and Core USP

IFST is unique in its role as a neutral, scientifically objective organization with the following core differentiators:

• Official professional body status, recognized by the Science Council
• Cross-sector representation, engaging academia, government, and industry
• Trusted source of science-based food information to media and public
• Robust framework for professional registration and CPD tracking
• Thought leadership in food policy, safety, and sustainability

Its independence and science-led approach make it a go-to platform for policy consultations, industry standards development, and public education on food-related matters.

Membership and Impact

• Over 3,000 active members across academia, industry, and public sectors
• Representing professionals from over 40 countries, with growing international engagement
• 85+ corporate supporters and institutional partners
• Annual reach of 50,000+ food professionals through events, publications, and campaigns
• Facilitated over 120 webinars and online events since 2020

IFST members work in areas ranging from food safety and R&D to product development, sensory science, packaging, logistics, and regulatory affairs.

Target Audience

The IFST supports and engages with a wide spectrum of food professionals, including:

• Food scientists and technologists
• Quality assurance and safety specialists
• Academic researchers and PhD candidates
• University students and recent graduates in food-related disciplines
• Regulatory and compliance experts
• Government agencies and food policy advisors

Capabilities

• Scientific advisory boards and expert panels
• Editorial management of peer-reviewed journals and publications
• Digital event hosting infrastructure
• Accreditation systems aligned with UK and EU educational standards
• CPD monitoring tools for individual and corporate members

Certifications and Compliance

As a member of the Science Council and recognized chartered body, IFST operates with:

• Chartered Scientist license
• Recognition from UK educational and industry bodies
• GDPR-compliant data handling
• Alignment with Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) standards

All programs and publications are peer-reviewed or overseen by sector experts to ensure credibility and scientific accuracy.

Testimonials

“Being a member of IFST has helped me gain professional recognition and access a network of top-tier food scientists.”
— Dr. A. Patel, Food Safety Consultant

“Their webinars and journals are a goldmine for current food research. I rely on IFST for staying updated in my field.”
— Rachel M., R&D Manager, FMCG Company

Major Achievements

• Publisher of the International Journal of Food Science and Technology, a leading publication with high citation metrics
• Played a key role in UK government food safety consultations and Brexit impact studies
• Co-founded Food Science Week, promoting public awareness and STEM careers in food
• Developed mentorship programs linking industry veterans with emerging talent
• Delivered virtual events with 10,000+ participants during COVID-19 lockdowns

The Institute of Food Science and Technology continues to shape the future of food through education, collaboration, and scientific excellence, providing unmatched value to professionals and institutions committed to a safer, healthier, and more innovative global food system.