The 2024 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo took place at McCormick Place in Chicago from July 14th to 17th. This event was a success from start to finish, and we are proud to be a small part of such a fun, educational, and connective industry event.
Events like IFT FIRST give us a chance to discover the latest trends, learn about cutting edge food innovations, and better understand the needs of our clients. IFT FIRST never disappoints, and always results in clear takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose and passion for this incredible industry.
PSC Curry Powder + PSC Barbecue Spice Blend
IFT FIRST is known for its unique focus on innovation in the food industry. This year, we were eager to participate in this theme by highlighting ways to use classic blends in innovative ways. At our booth, we pushed two classic blends beyond their traditional limits to showcase their potential. We are pleased to report that each blend received praise. Some tried just one dish, but most sampled both (and some visitors even came back for second helpings!)
Everyone who stopped by our booth had the chance to try curry fries, made with PSC Curry Powder, and vegetarian BBQ chili, made with our PSC Barbecue Spice Blend.
Here are the flavor details of each blend:
- PSC Curry Powder: This blend combines spices like cumin, turmeric, onion, garlic, and chili peppers to create an authentic curry flavor.
- PSC Barbecue Spice Blend: This blend features cornerstone spices such as paprika, onion, and garlic, striking a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Our team reported that the sample station was a big hit with attendees, and that the aromatic spices in the Vegetarian BBQ Chili and the Curry Fries drew crowds to our booth.
The PSC Barbecue Spice Blend was reported to be “the crowd favorite”. Many expressed that the flavors were pleasing to the palette, and that they could taste a sweetness in the blend, along with a spicy kick from the chili peppers. They also appreciated that the chili was a stand alone tasty meal. Attendees who sampled our PSC Barbecue Spice Blend appreciated its “perfect pairing of seasonings” and brainstormed other innovative ways to experiment with it. According to our team, some even asked to buy our PSC Barbecue Spice Blend right after tasting it!
Customers were also very receptive to our curry fries. While the curry fries were not as popular in the morning, they became very popular in the afternoon rush. Our team reported that curry fries recipe was more divisive among visitors, and that those who liked the dish, LOVED the dish. Overall, visitors thought the recipe was a creative way to showcase the blend, and appreciated that the flavor was “bold, flavorful, and surprisingly delicious!”
Overall, attendees appreciated the innovative ways we used each of our featured seasonings, and we received enthusiastic feedback about each one. Because this year’s event focused on innovation, attendees were also eager to brainstorm other unusual ways to use these blends, which sparked creative conversations.
Team Takeaways
To recap IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, we asked our team to provide us with their thoughts.
During the event, there was a noticeable increase in interest in spice blends compared to individual spices. Attendees were particularly keen on functional ingredients and white label products without fillers, reflecting a growing trend towards healthier choices.
The discussions also highlighted ongoing challenges in the supply chain, including shipping delays and distribution issues. Many were eager to understand the factors behind price fluctuations in the spice industry. These challenges prompted Canadian companies to inquire about the benefits of partnering with a U.S. spice manufacturer, leading to some meaningful conversations.
Closing Thoughts on IFT FIRST 2024
Trade shows like IFT FIRST always give us a unique opportunity to bond with our team and connect with our community face-to-face. We had so much fun working alongside you at IFT FIRST, and we are especially excited about all the new connections and potential opportunities ahead.
If you are new to our extended PSC family, we want to welcome you! We are proud to offer you our full-service spice capabilities. We are proud to offer our full-service spice capabilities. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, foodservice distributor, restaurant chain, or retail spice company, we are here to help you every step of the way.
To remember the best moments of IFT FIRST and to dive deeper into our offerings, we invite you to follow along on our social media channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook), and join us on our newsletter for content that will keep you connected, informed, and creatively inspired.
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the food industry.