An industry event is a meeting point. Its value can continue long after the final day. Handary took part in IFT FIRST 2026, held from 12 to 15 July at McCormick Place in Chicago, and we thank everyone who took the time to connect with our team. 

For Handary, the event was an opportunity to share our perspective on natural preservation and to listen to the people working on food development and manufacturing. We appreciated the chance to place practical product questions within a wider food-science setting, where research, ingredients and real-world applications meet.

The product behind the question

A shelf-life discussion can begin with a simple request: can this product last longer? A useful next step is to understand what that request means for the manufacturer. Is the priority protecting sensory quality, investigating spoilage, reviewing a formulation or exploring a different preservation approach? The answer helps give the project a clearer direction.

That is the perspective we bring to our industry conversations. Rather than treating shelf life as an isolated number, we want to understand the product, its intended market and the practical constraints surrounding it. This creates a more useful basis for deciding what information is needed and which questions should be explored next.

Keeping the dialogue useful

The positive value of taking part in IFT FIRST lies in that opportunity for exchange. A face-to-face introduction gives both sides a starting point, whether the discussion concerns an established product or an early development idea. For us, the next step is to keep the conversation focused, relevant and connected to a real need.

A productive follow-up does not need to start with a complete technical dossier. A short description of the application, the current challenge and the desired outcome can help frame an initial discussion. From there, the appropriate technical information, assessment and validation steps can be considered as the project develops.

Thank you, Chicago

We value the opportunity to be part of this exchange and thank the people who made time for Handary during the event. Our focus now is on the work that follows: listening carefully, asking useful questions and exploring how we might support the next stage of a preservation project.

Missed us at IFT FIRST, or ready to continue a conversation? Contact Handary with your application and shelf-life objective. Chicago was the meeting point. Your next project is where the dialogue can continue.