The International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA) is a premier nonprofit trade organization committed to advancing technology within the global food and beverage industries. Headquartered in Potomac, Maryland, USA, the IFBTA serves as a bridge between foodservice professionals and the evolving world of technology through education, certification, collaboration, and thought leadership.
Organization Overview
Founded by Rob Grimes, an industry veteran and technology advocate, the IFBTA brings together operators, suppliers, consultants, media partners, and academic institutions under one umbrella. The association’s mission is to connect the global food and beverage community through technology-focused resources and relationships that enable innovation and business transformation.
With its inclusive membership model and wide-reaching digital platforms, IFBTA has become the leading professional network for tech-oriented stakeholders in foodservice, hospitality, and related verticals.
Services and Programs
IFBTA provides a diverse array of member benefits, educational tools, and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of foodservice technology professionals:
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Membership Programs
- Individual Memberships for operators, IT professionals, and industry leaders
- Corporate Memberships for multi-unit restaurant groups and tech solution providers
- Partner Memberships for associations, media outlets, and nonprofits
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Educational Resources
- On-demand webinars, white papers, and industry research
- Proprietary certification programs including the Certified Foodservice Technology Professional (CFTP)
- TechBytes and expert articles focused on innovation, integration, and adoption
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Networking and Events
- Local Chapter Meetings hosted in cities across North America and globally
- National Conferences aligned with trade events like The NAFEM Show, FSTEC, and NRA Show
- Virtual Events and TechTalk Webinars featuring panel discussions and product spotlights
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IFBTA Xchange
- An exclusive, searchable technology directory and content portal
- Connects buyers with vetted tech providers across categories such as POS, back-office systems, robotics, and customer engagement
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Certification Programs
- Certified Foodservice Technology Professional (CFTP): An industry-recognized credential covering systems integration, cybersecurity, project management, and digital transformation in foodservice
Unique Value Proposition (USP)
- Sole nonprofit association exclusively dedicated to technology in the food and beverage industry
- Neutral platform bringing together operators and suppliers for shared learning
- Global reach with local presence through chapters in major markets
- Peer-driven knowledge exchange through curated content and advisory boards
- Focus on technology standards, best practices, and leadership development
IFBTA serves as both a community and a catalyst for digital innovation within the food ecosystem.
Membership and Reach
As of 2023, IFBTA boasts:
- Over 2,000 active members globally
- 15+ regional chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe
- 300+ technology companies represented as partners or members
- 25+ annual events and webinars
- 10,000+ active users of the IFBTA Xchange platform
Members span a wide range of roles, including CIOs, CTOs, restaurant operators, franchise owners, food equipment manufacturers, and software developers.
Target Audience
IFBTA’s programs are designed for:
- Technology professionals working in the foodservice industry
- Restaurant operators and franchise groups
- Food and beverage suppliers and manufacturers
- Hospitality IT teams and consultants
- Startups and innovators in restaurant tech
- Academic institutions focused on culinary and hospitality technology
Technology and Capabilities
- IFBTA Xchange for discovery and vendor interaction
- Digital Certification Platform for issuing and tracking CFTP credentials
- Event Hosting Tools for in-person and virtual networking
- Resource Library with search functionality and category filters
- Member Portal with CRM and peer-to-peer engagement features
These tools ensure seamless user experience and ongoing member engagement across platforms.
Certifications and Governance
- CFTP Credential developed in alignment with ANSI standards
- IFBTA operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization
- Managed by a Board of Directors composed of top executives from the food and beverage tech sector
- Advisory Councils for Innovation, Membership, Education, and Global Development
The association provides governance transparency and strategic focus aligned with member needs.
Recognition and Media
- Partnered with top events: The NAFEM Show, FSTEC, MUFSO, RestaurantSpaces
- Featured in: Nation’s Restaurant News, Hospitality Technology, QSR Magazine
- Endorsed by leading associations: National Restaurant Association (NRA), Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI), and Restaurant Technology Network (RTN)
- Regularly hosts TechTalks featuring brand leaders from Starbucks, McDonald’s, Panera, Yum! Brands, and more
Key Achievements
- Launched IFBTA Xchange platform serving as a digital marketplace for foodservice tech
- Certified over 1,000 professionals through the CFTP program since launch
- Held 100+ chapter meetings across North America since 2018
- Built a global advisory council with representation from 10+ countries
- Recognized as the voice of food and beverage technology in key policy and standard-setting discussions
The International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA) continues to empower the hospitality and foodservice industries by promoting digital fluency, tech adoption, and strategic innovation across all levels of the value chain.
