Weekly Tidbit
July 13, 2026
A few comments gleaned during the show:
"IFT is not what it used to be"
"Last year's show was in a phase of post-plant-based and pre-GLP-1. This year, protein protein protein & fiber fiber fiber."
"Fewer people, higher quality"
"Smaller booths - Need for Space Filling"
In the past, there were two halls of exhibitors and 20-25,000 attendees, if not more. IN 2026, there is only one hall of exhibitors and far fewer attendees than usual on Day 1. There was no keynote speaker or panel to kick off Day 1. Hopefully day 2 will be busier.
If plant-based was the hot topic in recent years, GLP1 is a hot topic this year. Protein, protein, protein and fiber, fiber, fiber to make up for changed diet(s).
Day 1 started off early (9 am instead of 10 am) and slowly. It remained relatively slow all day.
Booths were smaller overall and fewer. This left a lot of space to be filled even if only one exhibit hall is being used. Fillers include three separate presentation areas inserted into the hall space, one of which accommodates hundreds of seats that are rarely filled. Wider hallways, according to some, fill up space.
In short, the IFT is going through a metamorphosis in these changing times. Price increases for attendees and exhibitors are one attempt to make up for the reduced numbers, but this may be having a negative effect, creating a vicious circle of fewer exhibitors/attendees = need for higher prices = fewer exhibitors and attendees, etc., etc.
It is unfortunate to see several giant companies failing to support their institute even if only with a reduced presence and a smaller booth. At least one company is not paying for any exhibit presence but is profiting from IFT's draw to set up meetings in privately rented rooms. Your institute needs more of your support, not less, in these difficult times.
Regulatory changes are affecting hydrocolloids. A petition regarding xanthan has been denied. (Inter-company transfers may face some additional scrutiny.) An anti-dumping action is soon to be ruled on. Chlorate in xanthan rules may be changed and could affect other biopolymers, e.g., gellan gum.
Pulverized gum acacia is unlikely to make headway against spray-dried material for several reasons. The spray drying operations of the DAL group in Sudan have literally been obliterated.
Flours are a way to achieve a clean label, whether citrus or seaweed.
Cell-cultured meat (beef) has attracted a large investment in Spain, but there seems little opportunity for hydrocolloid-based matrices.
Distributors continue to expand their penetration of hydrocolloid sales as single ingredients and/or blends.
Carrageenan raw material price increases, even more than indicated in Q2-2026. Pectin raw material stays steady. Want to know more? IMR also needs to make sales... Subscription/confidentiality agreement HERE.
If you're at the show and we didn't see you on Day 1, we hope to see you on day 2. Don't forget that day 3 ends at 2 pm and not the usual 4 pm. This means people will start packing up around noon instead of the usual 2 pm.
