The IFFI & RCA Joint Event 2026 celebrates the science and art of Culinology®. This unique event brings together professionals from the food ingredients industry and the culinary world to mark 30 years of Culinology® and highlight its importance in modern food product development.
Culinologists are at the forefront of food innovation, combining culinary techniques with food science, including chemistry and biology, to optimize taste, texture, and appearance while safeguarding food safety, nutritional value, and shelf life. By connecting craftsmanship with scientific rigor, culinology plays a vital role in creating innovative, high-quality food products.
Aligned with IFFI’s annual theme “Food in Mind,” the event explores key topics such as food processing and the debate around Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF). Through the lens of culinology, participants will gain balanced perspectives and practical insights relevant to both laboratory and kitchen environments.
Organized as a joint effort by IFFI and the Research Chefs Association, this event encourages meaningful dialogue between chefs and food ingredient professionals to help shape the future of food.
What’s in it for me?
As a participant, you will:
- Deepen your understanding of culinology and its role in food innovation
- Learn how to balance taste, health, and safety in product development
- Gain practical insights into food processing and UPF debates, grounded in science and culinary practice
- Strengthen collaboration between kitchen and lab, improving product quality and speed to market
- Exchange ideas with chefs and food ingredient experts, expanding your professional network
- Take home actionable inspiration to apply in R&D, product development, or culinary innovation
In short, you will leave with new perspectives, practical knowledge, and stronger connections to help you innovate at the intersection of food science and culinary art.
